Source model preparation
For SolidWorks® Simulation users

SolidWorks® Simulation can be used to create a numerical FEA model, which can be exported either into the GEO or INP format to get a suitable source model for ProTOp. Unfortunately, neither the GEO nor the INP output generated by SolidWorks® Simulation can contain multiple load cases. As multiple load cases are an absolute necessity for topology optimization, a special procedure is required to make this possible.

NOTE. SolidWorks® Simulation can not export multiple load cases to a single GEO or INP output model. To get multiple load cases into ProTOp, a special procedure is needed.

Source model preparation outline

To prepare a ProTOp usable FEA model with SolidWorks® Simulation, the procedure is roughly the same as preparing a usual FEA simulation model. More precisely, the following steps should done:

• Create a CAD model (generate geometric model and volume regions)
• Create a FEM model (define and assign materials, define loads, boundary conditions, create mesh, and export either a GEO or INP file; Simulation module)

When SolidWorks® Simulation is used to get the source model, pay attention to the limitations of the corresponding importer, either GEO or INP.