Structural Optimization Using Biological Growth Method in ANSYS Mechanical, Part I

This article focuses on a lesser-known alternative of structural shape optimization, based on morphing the mesh elements using the Biological Growth Method (BGM) and its implementation using the Ansys Mechanical program and newly developed software -M3Opti.The aim of these activities is to improve the properties of a structurally complex parts or assemblies, which requires an advanced materials models and contact or geometrical nonlinearities.The part I of the two-part paper presents the theoretical background and describes implementation in Ansys Mechanical.