CAESS ProTOp
A standalone topology optimization software that takes as input FNF, INP, GEO, and DAT files, generated by PTC® Creo®, Simulia® Abaqus, SolidWorks® Simulation, and Siemens NX™ respectively.
Latest version: ProTOp 6.2
News on latest updates ...
Features
- Based on custom finite elements, developed in-house especially for topology optimization
- FEA - highly parallelized code, high performance sparse solver
- Topology optimizer - a hybrid evolutionary/level-set optimizer, highly parallelized code
- Shape optimizer - a hybrid geometry/stress optimizer, highly parallelized code
- Shell (envelope) and lattice structure generation from solid parts
- Semi-contact and semi-plastic finite elements
- Easy modeling of pin joints, bolt/rivet fastening, and similar contact situations
- Simple and easy to use user interface; fully interactive optimization process
Capabilities
- Structure: statically loaded, linearly elastic isotropic material
- Objectives: minimum strain energy; maximum lowest eigenfrequency
- Targeting: volume part, stress, displacement
- Technological constraints: YES
- Multiple load cases: YES
- Smoothing and simplification tools for resulting surface mesh: YES
Hardware recommendations
- CPU: A good entry is a 4-core i7 or comparable CPU. Note that 6 or 8 cores (e.g., 2 Xeons) are significantly better, but there is not much improvement when going beyond 12 cores.
- RAM: A good entry is 16 GB, but for more serious work 32 GB is actually the minimum.
- Drive: In cases of RAM shortage, ProTop will switch to partial out-of-RAM (disk) storage; in this case a dedicated (work) SSD on SATA III interface is recommended.
Flyers
ProTOp Lattice Tools Information
Detailed specifications and features
Supported formats for model import
- FNF (PTC® Creo®)
- INP (Simulia® Abaqus)
- INP (SolidWorks® Simulation)
- GEO (SolidWorks® Simulation)
- DAT (Siemens NX™)
Results output formats
- AMF
- OBJ
- STEP
- STL
A glance at ProTOp 6.0 novelties
Shape optimizer
- A new hybrid shape optimizer delivers smoother cut surfaces with lower stress levels
- Seamless transition from topology to shape optimization
Advanced mesh tools
- Greatly improved mesh refinement with localized improvement within volumes and along surfaces
- Mesh improvement and cleaning tools
- Mesh stripping tool for model reduction and shape optimization preprocessing
Session manager
- A new session concept for more design freedom in prototyping and finalization
- An intuitive session manager for easy handling of sessions and related operations
A glance at ProTOp 5.0 novelties
Completely renewed engines
- New FEA process management - much faster for certain optimization problems
- Renewed internal data format for faster execution and more optimization options
- Renewed optimization stepper, geometry processing, surface processing, ...
Completely renewed UI
- Much more intuitive with more preview capabilities
- Even more interactive as the previous version
New exciting tools
- Localized FE mesh refinement for easy preparation of adequate meshes
- Design limits analysis with preview for easier model preparation
Easier FEA model preparation
- Much better material options handling
- Easy definition of combined load cases - as a linear combination of imported LCs
Easier optimization model preparation
- Easier definition of volume and surface regions
- More intuitive work with configurators and technological constraints
Improved smoothing and export tools
- Renewed mesh smoothing procedures
- New simplification tools for export of CAD acceptable surfaces
