Non Design Space Component Disapearing

Altair Forum User

Hello,

 

I am trying to perform a simple lattice optimization using optistruct in order to create a tensile specimen with lattice structure. When I run my optimization, a feasible design is found however the resulting .fem file no longer has a solid for the non design space. This becomes apparent when I try to export the results to .iges

 

I've attached the relevant files as reference:

 

 

Thanks

Malcolm

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Altair Forum User

Hi malcolm,

 

Sorry for a late reply. 

 

I see solid elements for non-design space in .fem after lattice optimization.

 

Please let us know, how are you exporting to iges format?

 

 

 

 

Altair Forum User

Hello Prakash, 

 

There are elements in the non design space however there are no solids. 

File>Export>Geometry [filetype:IGES] does not work for the .fem file. 

 

When I use the macro to convert the 1D elements to cylinders and then export to IGES, I end up with only the lattice structure. 

 

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

Altair Forum User

Hi,

 

So you are trying to export FE data as geometry which is not allowed. 

 

You need to convert FE to Geometry. 

 

or You can export as .stl and import the same if your CAD tool support .stl

Altair Forum User

Hello,

 

How do I convert FE to Geometry?

 

I also do not see .stl in the export geometry menu

 

Malcolm

Altair Forum User

Hi,

 

Go to Geom Page>> Surfaces>> FE to GEOM.  In order to create surfaces from solid elements, create faces using the Faces panel and select the elements in the ^faces component.

 

After extracting surfaces you can convert the same to solid geometry either in HM or in your CAD tool.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

Altair Forum User

Hello Prakash,

 

I have tried Geom>Surfaces>From FE. I am not able to select any of the elements of the non design space. Have you tried this with the file I attached? I would select the elements by the face however I can't do this because I cannot select any of the elements.

 

I have tried starting entirely from scratch and I run into the same issue. Why am I only left with elements and no geometry?

 

Malcolm

Altair Forum User

Hi,

 

Yes, see this attached Parasolid file which contains solid blocks. You can export solid blocks and lattice as two file and import in your CAD model. 

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