くいんと List of Products and Services

We present an analysis example applying the non-parametric shape optimization function of "OPTISHAPE-TS," which employs an algorithm based on the smoothing gradient method (force method) to match multiple natural frequencies in automotive brake components. The optimization conditions were set to target the natural vibration modes from the 7th to the 21st, aiming to match their natural frequencies to the target values (considering MAC values) while keeping the volume unchanged. As a result, a final shape was obtained where each eigenvalue and volume matched their respective constraint values with an accuracy within 0.01%. In this case, the control of eigenvalues was performed using specified initial shape ratios, but analyses can also be conducted using absolute values or combinations of other controls such as nodal positions of natural vibration modes and frequency responses. This can be utilized for controlling eigenvalues and avoiding resonance. For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis
• Contract Analysis
• Other analyses

"Model correlation" refers to the process of reviewing various possible errors and correctly reflecting them in the analytical model. If there are measured values and an error-free analytical model, it becomes possible to apply this to further simulations, thereby demonstrating the true value of the simulation. Therefore, by combining Quint products, we propose an experimental vibration characteristic and an error-free analytical model = an optimal model correlation. In this case study, we derived an analytical model that reproduces the vibration characteristics of a plate with a complex structure, including a honeycomb core material (hereinafter referred to as "honeycomb panel"), using Quint products "VOXELCON," "AMDESS," and "OPTISHAPE-TS." [Workflow] ■1. Experimental modal analysis of the honeycomb panel ■2. Calculation of material parameters for a simplified model ■3A. Identification of material parameters ■3B. Identification through model shape modification *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis
• Contract Analysis
• Analysis Services

In general, even runners of equal length have different flow lengths for inner and outer paths, leading to filling imbalances. Here, we will introduce an example of optimizing runner diameter by integrating AMDESS and 3D TIMON*, which improves filling balance. *3D TIMON is a plastic injection molding CAE software developed by Toray Engineering Co., Ltd. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis
• simulator

VOXELCON is equipped with topology optimization using the level set method. In this topology optimization, a target volume is set, and a shape is sought that maximizes stiffness (minimizes displacement at load points) under that volume constraint. Since structural optimization involves repeated structural analysis, the computation time can be very long. Additionally, the structural analysis specialized for voxels is characterized by good parallelization efficiency and low memory consumption, allowing for analysis of large-scale problems in a realistic time frame. The topology optimization feature also supports parallel execution on GPUs, so we will also introduce the computation time. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis

With the increasing use of composite materials and porous materials, the importance of evaluating the properties of their microstructures is growing. In this example, we will introduce the calculation of the equivalent permeability coefficient and micro velocity distribution of a porous body as an example of evaluating the flow characteristics of microstructures using the homogenization method of VOXELCON. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis

The sandwich structure, which consists of a core material sandwiched between surface panels to create a unified structure, is widely used in various fields as it offers a lightweight design with high bending stiffness. However, in cases where the core is not made of a single material but is composed of multiple materials, the equivalent properties of the sandwich structure cannot be determined using simple laminate theory. In this example, we will demonstrate how to calculate the equivalent property values of a core made of composite materials using VOXELCON's homogenization analysis function, and perform bending analysis of the sandwich structure using a simplified model based on the obtained material property values. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

At VOXELCON, we perform thermal stress analysis using the temperature distribution from steady-state heat conduction analysis as a thermal load, allowing for easy weakly coupled analysis of steady-state heat conduction and thermal stress. Here, we will introduce an example of warping analysis of an electronic substrate using a simple model. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

In materials design, investigating the macroscopic mechanical properties of porous materials such as ceramics and foamed metals, as well as composite materials represented by FRP, is very important. When actual samples are available, it is generally possible to measure them through experiments; however, depending on the properties of the materials and the condition of the samples, experiments may not always be easy. Here, we will introduce an example of calculating the macroscopic physical properties of a sample by analyzing the tomographic images obtained from scanning an actual sample with a micro X-ray CT scanner, using VOXELCON's image-based modeling and homogenization analysis functions. Note: The physical property values of the original materials that make up the porous materials and composite materials are assumed to be obtained in advance. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

Model Creation and Structural Analysis from CT Images We will introduce an example of reverse engineering that measures the shape of a product (physical object) and uses it for direct analysis. Generally, creating a model for analysis from X-ray CT scan images requires a very labor-intensive process of generating a CAD model from the extracted surface. However, at VOXELCON, we can directly create a surface model from the image data of an X-ray CT scanner and apply boundary conditions directly on the surface model, allowing for voxel analysis without additional steps. This significantly reduces the labor involved in reverse engineering. Here, we will present an example of creating a model from artificially generated tomographic images, simulating the tomographic images from an X-ray CT scanner, and performing static stress analysis. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

When creating an analysis model by meshing a detailed CAD model created as design data, the following issues can be noted: - The number of elements becomes enormous, leading to high computational costs. - Meshing is difficult and requires the expertise and techniques of experienced individuals. Additionally, the analysis results depend on the meshing. - In some cases, automatic element meshing is not possible. However, even if you try to analyze using a simplified shape... - The effort required for simplification is significant. - Evaluating the impact of simplification on analysis accuracy is cumbersome. These issues can be resolved by VOXELCON's voxel mesh generation technology. Even complex shapes can be easily converted into analysis models, thereby reducing the human labor required for analysis. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

In the field of bioengineering, there is no design data available, so it is necessary to measure the actual object and create an analysis model. By using image-based analysis supported by VOXELCON, modeling can be performed from CT scan images of the actual object, allowing for faithful modeling that eliminates human error and significantly reduces the effort required for modeling. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

Topology optimization using the level set method can yield clear optimal structures without grayscale. Additionally, it provides results that accurately satisfy the given volume constraints, allowing busy designers to utilize structural optimization in product design more easily, without struggling to interpret the optimization results. Here, we present an example of applying topology optimization using the level set method in the structural examination of delivery drones. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis

In shape optimization, you can set a "designable area" as a manufacturing constraint. By using this feature, you can limit shape changes to ensure that they do not extend beyond the specified designable area. Additionally, even if the initial shape already extends beyond the area, you can modify the shape to fit within the designated area. Here, we will perform shape optimization for link components with a set "designable area," minimizing the volume while keeping the maximum displacement below the constraint value and within the bounds of the designable area. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

Topology optimization is a method that expresses the optimal shape based on the density distribution of materials while keeping the mesh of the analysis model fixed. Here, we perform topology optimization with "mirror symmetry" set for the monitor arm, seeking an optimal shape that is highly rigid and symmetrical under four different analysis conditions. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

Topology optimization is useful for the initial layout design of products due to its nature of creating holes in the model. On the other hand, shape optimization modifies the surface shape of the model, allowing for the evaluation of not only rigidity but also stress, making it beneficial for the detailed design of products. In this case, after performing topology optimization on the lower arm to determine the layout shape, shape optimization is conducted on the resulting solid model to obtain a detailed shape that meets rigidity and Mises stress constraints. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis

Here, we will perform shape optimization on the table legs, minimizing the volume while ensuring that the Mises stress does not exceed a specified value. In shape optimization, we can optimize based on Mises stress or maximum principal stress. Additionally, by applying symmetry conditions, we will conduct the analysis using a quarter model of the entire structure. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses
• Contract Analysis

We accept commissioned analysis for design support using our own products. Our experienced technical staff can handle everything from model and data creation to analysis and report preparation. If you are working on optimization or exploring image processing, modeling, and analysis from 3D printer fabrication or CT scan data, please make use of our services. 【Flow of Commissioned Analysis/Development】 ■ Inquiry ■ Technical Meeting ■ Quotation ■ Implementation of Analysis/Development ■ Conducting a Reporting Meeting *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

"HiramekiWorks" is a structural optimization design software that boasts a proven track record in the manufacturing industry, equipped with both "Topology Optimization" and "Shape Optimization" functions as an add-in product for the 3D CAD SOLIDWORKS. Using the analysis conditions set in SOLIDWORKS, you can complete everything from running the analysis to importing the result model with just one click. Why not try designing in a way that has never been done before with our software, which incorporates unique know-how? 【Features】 ■ Easy optimization in a familiar environment ■ Addresses practical needs such as weight reduction and stress reduction under various conditions ■ Automatically generates solid models of optimization results ■ Use the geometry editor to create solid models more suitable for analysis *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

"AMDESS" is a general-purpose parameter optimization software aimed at achieving optimization easily and in a short time. It can be executed easily using an Excel-based interface, automating the input and output to streamline design improvements and decision-making. By using approximate models for the relationships among multiple parameter responses, it derives suitable values that meet requirements for various problems, providing hints to designers. 【Features】 ■ Sequential update response surface method ■ Dedicated GUI/interface for improved work efficiency ■ Compatible with various pre-post and solvers ■ Recommended for nonlinear problems *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Other analyses

"VOXELCON" is a powerful image-based structural analysis software that directly models and utilizes CT images obtained from physical objects and STL data from CAD for analysis and measurement. It is equipped with a variety of reverse engineering functions as structural analysis and measurement capabilities. It is effective in various scenarios, from cast products to composite materials, and from the design stage to quality control. Additionally, voxel segmentation is ultra-fast, capable of creating a mesh of 100 million voxels in just a few seconds, and is extremely robust, with very few failures. 【Features】 ■ Direct use of physical data ■ Various reverse engineering functions ■ Ultra-fast and robust voxel segmentation ■ Large-scale solver included ■ Cutting-edge multi-scale analysis *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

The "S-Generator" is software for various editing of STL data and for generating high-precision CAD data based on its shape. By using the STL editing features aimed at generating high-quality CAD models, it is possible to smooth shapes while considering their characteristics, correct unnecessary holes and distorted curves, and adjust sizes while maintaining arcs, making it suitable for modifications based on structural optimization results. Additionally, it can significantly contribute to the creation of clean STL data for use with 3D printers. It also connects different analysis software and functions, expanding the scope of analysis tasks. 【Features】 ■ Allows for modifications suitable for structural optimization results, such as smoothing shapes while considering their characteristics. ■ The generated CAD data can be used as solid models in various CAD software. ■ Can significantly contribute to the creation of clean STL data for use with 3D printers. ■ Can be used for analyses that are difficult to achieve with only the STL from structural optimization results. ■ Efficiently connects optimized shapes to subsequent tasks. ★ Case study collection available ★ Please take a look at the PDF download.

• Structural Analysis
• 3D Printer
• Contract Analysis

"OPTISHAPE-TS" is software that assists in the research, development, and design of automotive parts, electrical equipment, construction machinery, and more. With its topology optimization feature, it presents new design proposals that capture the essence of mechanics. It enhances design ideas from the results obtained, enabling early concepts and early designs. We promise to improve current processes through cost reduction and quality enhancement, leading to shortened development and manufacturing periods and reduced costs. 【Features】 ■ Proposes the ideal "shape of things" through structural optimization ■ Improves current processes through cost reduction and quality enhancement ■ Commits to reducing development and manufacturing periods and costs ■ Utilized in various scenarios, including initial design stages and improvements to existing shapes *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

OPTISHAPE-ES is a topology optimization program designed for beginners in optimization. Additionally, it offers simple operations to suggest layouts as one of the design ideas for your project. With its integrated pre-post capabilities, both condition setup and analysis execution can be operated very easily. The topology optimization technology of the structural optimization software OPTISHAPE-TS has been improved for beginners, and by selecting essential functions, it is available for free download from the product site. *Element limit: 7,000. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

Since the release of the initial version, we have frequently received questions from customers about the theories underlying our optimization. From the user's perspective, it is understandable to feel hesitant about using software without a clear understanding of the theoretical background. In this technical column, we will explain the theories used in the optimization features of OPTISHAPE-TS as clearly as possible. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 1: Introduction to Non-Parametric Optimization *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, I briefly explained non-parametric optimization. In that context, I mentioned that non-parametric optimization is a method for optimizing functions. In this article, I will explain what "optimizing a function" means, in order to deepen your understanding of the challenges it presents. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 2: The Challenges of Non-Parametric Optimization Part 1 "Optimization of Functions" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous discussions, we explained that non-parametric optimization, mathematically, is optimization focused on functions, and in practice, it becomes a problem of finding a number of design variables comparable to the scale of finite element models (number of nodes, number of elements). In this article, we will explain the optimization algorithms to solve such problems. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 3: The Difficulty of Non-Parametric Optimization Part 2 "Time Complexity" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous sections, we explained that in non-parametric optimization, the number of design variables to be determined is large, meaning that the dimensionality of the space to be explored is high, which is why optimization algorithms using sensitivity are employed. In this article, we will further explain the difficulties of non-parametric optimization from another perspective. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 4: The Difficulty of Non-Parametric Optimization Part 3 "Checkerboard Phenomenon" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous discussion, I explained that the checkerboard phenomenon is a challenging issue in topology optimization. I also discussed the technique of filtering as a workaround, but highlighted the difficulty in finding the right balance. A completely different approach has been proposed to avoid the checkerboard pattern without modifying the optimization problem. The idea is to have design variables at the nodes rather than at the elements, and to interpolate within the elements using a C^0 continuous function. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 5: The Difficulty of Non-Parametric Optimization Part 4 "Wavy Phenomenon" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous four articles, we discussed the challenges of non-parametric optimization and the positioning of the H1 gradient method as a solution. From here, we will explain specifically what the H1 gradient method entails. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 6: The Emergence of the H1 Gradient Method and Its Background Part 1 "Shape Optimization" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, I explained the calculation procedure of the force method, which is an H1 gradient method in shape optimization, including the previously proposed growth strain method. In this article, I will explain the H gradient method in topology optimization. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 7: The Emergence of the H1 Gradient Method and Its Background Part 2 "Topology Optimization" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous two articles, I explained what the H1 gradient method is in shape optimization and topology optimization, along with its historical background. In this article, I will explain what the "H1" in H1 gradient method means. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 8: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 1 "What is H1 in the first place?" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, I provided an overview of the function space known as H1. As I mentioned briefly, there is a significant difference between the "space" that engineers think of and the "space" in modern mathematics. This time, I will explain the concept of "space" in modern mathematics. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 9: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 2 "Space" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, we explained the concept of "space" in modern mathematics. The concept of a set exists as "a collection of specific things," and among them, those that can establish some kind of relationship between the elements belonging to it are specifically called "spaces." Additionally, we introduced "linear spaces" and "metric spaces" as concrete examples of spaces. In this article, we will further discuss spaces where norms and inner products are defined. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 10: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 3 "Norm Spaces and Inner Product Spaces" *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, we explained normed spaces and inner product spaces. A normed space is a space equipped with a norm that generalizes the concept of size, while an inner product space is a space equipped with an inner product. In this article, we will discuss the important property of completeness among these spaces. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 11: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 4 "Completeness" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

Last time, I explained the completeness of the space. Since H1 is a function space, this time I will explain the norms and inner products in function spaces to deepen your understanding of H1. Please feel free to download and take a look. 【Contents】 ■ Episode 12: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 5 "Infinite Dimensions and Function Spaces" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous discussion, we explained norms and inner products in function spaces. Finally, to help you gain a deeper understanding of the concept of function spaces, we will describe the subtle relationships between three functions that frequently appear in the field of engineering (for example, control engineering and vibration engineering). Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 13: What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 6 "The Relationship Between Three Functions and H1" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous articles, we explained the "H1" in the H1 gradient method. I hope you have deepened your understanding of the concept of function spaces. From this time onward, I would like to explain the remaining "gradient methods" over several articles. To begin with, this article will discuss an overview of gradient methods. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 14 What is the H1 Gradient Method? Part 7 "What is a Gradient Method?" *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, we explained the gradient method, which is one of the solutions to optimization problems. In this article, we will discuss the gradient method in finite-dimensional spaces, specifically when the design variables are a finite number of real numbers. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 15: What is H1 Gradient Method Part 8 "Gradient Method in Finite-Dimensional Spaces" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous articles, we explained the theoretical background of the H1 gradient method. Since the discussion has been quite mathematically intricate, in this article, we will introduce a more approachable topic: an overview of the structural optimization algorithm used in OPTISHAPE-TS. Please feel free to download and take a look. 【Contents】 <Chapter 17: Optimization Algorithm Using the H1 Gradient Method> ■ Solve the state equations and calculate the value of the evaluation function ■ Solve the adjoint equations and calculate the sensitivity of the evaluation function ■ Calculate the variation of design variables using the H1 gradient method ■ Calculate the weighting coefficients for the variations ■ Update the design variables ■ Satisfy any unmet constraint functions *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In OPTISHAPE-TS, you can evaluate the maximum values of functions such as "maximum Mises stress" and "maximum displacement" that are distributed over the model. However, if you directly use the maximum value as the evaluation function, it becomes impossible to evaluate the derivatives, which means you cannot obtain sensitivities. This time, we will introduce a method for evaluating maximum values using a function called the KS function, which is adopted in OPTISHAPE-TS. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 18 Evaluating the Maximum Value of Functions: KS Function *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

This time, we will introduce bead optimization, which is one of the non-parametric optimizations of OPTISHAPE-TS. A bead refers to a small uneven shape applied to a thin plate structure. Since it can change the characteristics of the structure without increasing the thickness of the thin plate, the processing of bead generation has become a widely used method in various applications. [Contents] ■ Episode 19: Bead Optimization *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

This time, we will introduce the theory of manufacturing constraints in non-parametric shape optimization using OPTISHAPE-TS. Non-parametric optimization, including shape optimization, offers a much higher degree of freedom compared to parametric optimization, which results in unique shapes. Please download and check out the continuation of the column. [Contents] <Chapter 20: Manufacturing Constraints in H1 Gradient Method> ■ Limitations due to penalty terms in the H1 gradient method ■ Limitations based on the evaluation function *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

Non-parametric optimization of OPTISHAPE-TS (shape optimization, topology optimization, bead optimization) can commonly evaluate compliance in linear elastic analysis. For those who use it regularly, it may seem like a trivial topic, thinking "Ah, compliance," but occasionally, we receive questions from others asking, "What is compliance?" In this article, I would like to explain compliance in a bit more detail. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Content] ■ Episode 21: What is compliance? *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

In the previous article, we discussed compliance in linear elastic problems. By the way, some of you may have heard that "the sensitivity of compliance is the strain energy," but how is this derived? Therefore, starting from this time, I would like to take a few sessions to look at the derivation of compliance sensitivity. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 22: Sensitivity of Compliance Part 1 "Problems with Two-Dimensional Design Variables" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis

We would like to introduce a technical column on our structural optimization design software "OPTISHAPE-TS." The discussion began in the previous article about deriving the sensitivity of compliance. This is the second installment of that article, where we will consider the derivative of compliance with respect to design variables. Please feel free to download and take a look. [Contents] ■ Episode 23: Sensitivity of Compliance Part 2 "Substitution Method and Direct Differentiation Method" *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Structural Analysis