Preprocessing of OptiStruct in Simlab and HyperMesh
1. Is it okay to mesh the model, assign material properties and forces in SimLab, then export it as an .fem. Then import the .fem into HyperMesh and set up the optimization. I have done it (I think the meshing part is easier in SimLab), and it seems to work, but I just want to make sure so that I don't miss anything, so that no information gets lots or so.
Answer: Yes, that is perfectly fine. You can exchange .fem (which is the input format of OptiStruct) between Simlab and HyperMesh and the data will be transferred from one program to the other. You would also have the option of setting up the optimization within the Simlab 'Optimization' Ribbon (probably with not as many options as HyperMesh )
2. I have tried to create a new component in SimLab around the holes, but I don't get it to work. I'm not quite sure which operation I should use to make it correct. I still want the 'new component' to be in contact with the old, in the same way as if they were one component. Do you have any good tip?
Answer: I am not sure how to do this in Simlab (as I am not familiar with the software). It seems that you would need to create to separate bodies and organize your elements within the new body.
Here is how it is done in HyperMesh:
- Create a new component and Property
- Use the Mesh - Organize funktion (F11) to select your elements by window (shift + left mouse) and then click 'move' to transfer the elements to the new component
Kind regards
Jan