One of the most fascinating topics in the application of parametric design in engineering is optimization. It's hard to find an engineer who works with Grasshopper and hasn't tried their hand at optimizing using Galapagos. This process can often be quite straightforward as we can obtain real-time outputs like mass, deflection, and utilization by adjusting various parameters.

So, how do we go about it? The following example should help illustrate the setup:

- the analysis (static analysis)
- the design settings (check, auto-design, apply changes)
- the design parameters (utilisation)

Design settings and parameters​

Design parameters are currently linked to a text file. The cfg.xml file template can be found in the plug-in folder installed by Package Manager in %AppData%\McNeel\Rhinoceros\packages\7.0\FemDesign\

The file has several parameters that you can modify as you pleased. In case of steel bars, you can use something like the following:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<configs>
    <CONFIG fIgnoreAnnexForShearStrength="false" StripeWidth="1" type="CCMSCONFIG"></CONFIG>
    <CONFIG type="CCCOCONFIG"></CONFIG>

    <!-- EUROCODE STEEL CONFIG -->
    <CONFIG sInteraction="0" type="ECSTCONFIG"></CONFIG>

    <!-- DESIGN PARAMETERS STEEL BAR -->
    <CONFIG LimitUtilization="0.8" type="CCDESPARAMBARST"  vSection_itemcnt="24"></CONFIG>

    <!-- EUROCODE CALCULATION PARAMETERS STEEL BAR -->
    <CONFIG aBucklingCurve_fx1="-1" aBucklingCurve_fx2="-1" aBucklingCurve_ltb="-1" aBucklingCurve_ltt="-1" aBucklingCurve_tf="-1" CheckResistanceOnly="1" class4Ignored="1" convergencyratio="1" fLatTorBuckGen="1" fLatTorBuckGenSpecForI="0" maxIterStep="50" plasticIgnored="0" rStep="0.5" s2ndOrder="1" type="ECCALCPARAMBARST" UseEqation6_41="0"></CONFIG>
</configs>

FEM-Design will be instructed to apply those settings and the design will reflect the parameters.

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

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While preparing a webinar regarding FEM-Design API by StruSoft together with Isak Björhag, we have got the idea to showcase how the engineers can use our tool to optimise the selection of a cross section with the help of some grasshopper spaghetti 🍝

The outcome was really fascinating as I have never seen several interaction surface together and I have never noticed the effect of the parameters on the final capacity 👀

Visualisation is definitely a key aspect. Our eyes are not been "constructed" to understand a lot of numbers together

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

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FEM-Design API is mostly developed to give users access to most of the model data. We believe that users should not be constrained by our idea of engineering, but they should have the freedom to manipulate the data in a way that works best for them!

FEM-Design, the main software, has a really pleasant user interface that exports all the results with good logic.

However, the API will give you the freedom to nest/manipulate the data in any way you want and export it with a small script. In the picture above, I have shown how straightforward it is to save some data to a text file.

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

📝 Download FEM-Design API
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We hope that everyone enjoyed our recent webinar and we are delighted to provide you with access to all the content!

Download the Grasshopper definitions used in the meeting from here 👉Grasshopper Definition
Download the pdf presentation used in the meeting from here 👉pdf presentation

Below, you can find a quick preview of what it has been discuss.

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I recently came across an interesting case from one of our users who was trying to analyse a free-form surface.

FEM-Design is mostly use for slab and wall (both geometry are flat) but the user needs the software to calculate something different. Something that it is nowadays called "free-form"!

How can we overcome the issue?

Discretization is the key concept! What you can do, it is to subdivide the surface in several small triangles and feed FEM-Design with those.

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

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I want to share some insights on optimizing the direction of CLT Panel wit FEM-Design API by StruSoft. 🧐

When designing CLT panels, one of the key considerations is ensuring that the panel is placed in the right direction to enhance the slab's strength and durability.

But how can we make such models without becoming crazy? 🤯 FEM-Design API has the solution for you.

Do you think that the structure that I have shown is pure theory? 🙄 Have a look at Format Engineers.

PS: Have you noticed the n-gon planar panels? 🤓

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

📝 Download FEM-Design API
📝 Download StruSoft Trial Version
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It’s time for some topology optimization! More specifically multivariable optimization of a parametric timber truss. 🤓

In this example I have created a timber truss with 4 variables that describe the shape of it. This is a very practical way of going about a topology optimization since you can limit the possible shapes due to production limitations to achieve an optimized structure that doesn’t look like a warped alien spaceship 🚀 😊

This parametrization gave approximately 100 000 different shapes which is too many to try them all (brute force). Instead, I used Grasshopper and Galapagos to utilize some machine learning to reduce the time to find an optimal solution.

I also utilized the design groups in the FEM-Design API so that all truss elements had the same section as well as the above and below beam. I also instructed FEM-Design to carry out an auto design of each shape to obtain viable solutions with below 100% utilization of the cross sections. I opted to optimize with regard to timber weight to minimize material, but you can create another fitness function to optimize for price, deflection, CO2 emissions or why not a combination of them all.

🔥 If you are interested in this type of workflow don’t miss our upcoming free webinar on the topic, register here: https://lnkd.in/deG2pEh3

🌟 Free trial of FEM-Design and the API: https://lnkd.in/dVMqMszZ

Watch the video 👇

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The father of modern triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) passed away.

In the 70s, AlanSchoen was working at NASA and was always queationed about the amount of time he was spending playing with soap and water. He lived to see his work expanding in every direction possible.

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

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Master thesis in collaboration with AFRY​

In this blog post, we'll explore the master's thesis collaboration of Olle Carlsson and Fredrik Svärdström, two students passionate about parametric design. Partnering with AFRY Engineering Company, they embarked on a project centered around creating a truss using Grasshopper, FEM-Design API and Tekla.

Workflow​

• Grasshopper: Using the visual programming language plugin for Rhino, Olle and Fredrik created a parametric truss structure and manipulated parameters with ease.

• FEM-Design API: They employed this API to simulate and analyze their truss design's structural performance, ensuring stability and safety.

• Tekla: By utilizing Tekla, the students transformed their digital truss model into a fabrication-ready version with precise measurements and specifications.

Conclusion​

Olle Carlsson and Fredrik Svärdström's thesis project exemplifies the potential of parametric design in architecture and engineering. Through their collaboration with AFry Engineering Company, they have opened up new possibilities for the future of design and construction.

Watch the video 👇

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Embracing the Power of Wind Load Analysis with #FEM_Design_API! 🌬️🏢🔍

While discussing with my colleague Shaho Ruhani about the potential of the API, he told me that it would be great to showcase how we can leverage our tool to perform such a tedious task. 💡🙌

It did not take much time at all and the outcome is amazing! (most of the time was spent in moving through the EC) ⏱️💪🌟

Do you want to learn more? Do you want to achieve better results in less time? 📚⏰✨ Keep in touch! 📩🤝

You can download the Grasshopper definition used in this tutorial from here 👉Grasshopper Definition

Useful links​

📝 Download FEM-Design API
📝 Download StruSoft Trial Version
📰 Newsletter
🙋 Help