Compression Bone Plate | Topology Optimization | Deformation | Stress | ANSYS Workbench

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of analyzing a compression bone plate using topology optimization in ANSYS Workbench. You'll learn how to set up a static structural analysis, apply topology optimization, and interpret results. This is particularly relevant for biomedical applications where optimizing the design of bone plates can improve mechanical performance and reduce material usage.

Step 1: Start Analysis with Static Structural

• Open ANSYS Workbench and create a new project.
• Drag and drop the Static Structural module into the project schematic.
• Double-click on the module to open the analysis settings.

Step 2: Define Engineering Data

• In the Engineering Data section, define the materials you will use:
  • Select appropriate material properties for the bone plate.
  • Use materials with known Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for accuracy.

Step 3: Create Geometry

• Navigate to the Geometry section.
• If you have a pre-existing model, import the compression bone plate geometry.
• Alternatively, create the geometry using ANSYS DesignModeler or import from CAD software.

Step 4: Set Up the Model

• Open the Model section from the project tree.
• Define the geometry and ensure it accurately represents the compression bone plate.

Step 5: Allocate Materials

• In the Material Allocation section:
  • Assign the previously defined material properties to your geometry.
  • Ensure that all parts of the model have the correct materials assigned.

Step 6: Generate Mesh

• Go to the Mesh section.
• Create a mesh that adequately represents the geometry:
  • Use fine mesh for complex areas to capture stress gradients.
  • Check mesh quality and adjust if necessary.

Step 7: Apply Boundary Conditions

• In the Boundary Conditions section:
  • Apply appropriate constraints (e.g., fixed supports) where the bone plate will be anchored.
  • Define load conditions to simulate real-world forces acting on the plate.

Step 8: Solve the Model

• Click on the Solution section and run the analysis.
• Monitor the solution progress and ensure there are no errors during computation.

Step 9: Evaluate Results

• After solving, go to the Results section.
• Review results including deformation, stress distribution, and strain.
• Use graphical outputs to visualize performance metrics like stress concentration areas.

Step 10: Perform Topology Optimization

• Open the Topology Optimization module from the project schematic.
• Set up the optimization parameters:
  • Define the objective (e.g., minimize weight while maintaining strength).
  • Specify constraints based on the results from the static structural analysis.

Step 11: Configure Analysis Settings

• In the Analysis Settings:
  • Adjust settings for optimization iterations and convergence criteria.
  • Ensure all necessary parameters are set for a successful run.

Step 12: Solve Topology Optimization

• Click on Solution and run the topology optimization.
• Monitor the results for any convergence issues.

Step 13: Transfer Results to New Module

• After completing the topology optimization, transfer results back to a new Static Structural module.
• Set up the new module similarly as before, using optimized geometry.

Step 14: Finalize Geometry and Model Setup

• In the new module, repeat the steps for geometry and material allocation.
• Ensure the optimized geometry is correctly applied.

Step 15: Apply Mesh and Boundary Conditions

• Generate the mesh for the new model.
• Apply boundary conditions reflecting the updated design.

Step 16: Solve and Review Final Results

• Run the final solution and evaluate the results.
• Compare optimized results with the initial analysis to assess improvements.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to perform a static structural analysis and topology optimization for a compression bone plate using ANSYS Workbench. Key steps included setting up the model, defining materials, applying boundary conditions, and interpreting results. For further exploration, consider experimenting with different materials or optimization objectives to see how they affect the design.