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Topology panel

Topology panel

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Topology panel

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Use the Topology panel to define design domains for topology optimization.

For more information on topology design variables, see DTPL in the OptiStruct online help

 

Subpanels and Inputs


The Topology panel contains the following subpanels and command buttons:

hmtoggle_arrow1Create

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Enter a name for the design variable.

props

Select one or more properties of the selected type.

type

Valid options include PSHELL, PCOMP(G), PBAR, PBARL, PROD, PWELD or PBUSH.

base thickness

For PSHELL type, toggle to specify a non-zero value for the base thickness.

A component’s total thickness is the same as the thickness given in its PSHELL card.  The default base thickness is 0.0, but you can click the toggle to enter a different base thickness.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Update

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Enter a name for the design variable.

props

Select one or more properties of the selected type.

type

Valid options include PSHELL, PCOMP(G), PBAR, PBARL, PROD, PWELD or PBUSH.

base thickness

For PSHELL type, toggle to specify a non-zero value for the base thickness.

A component’s total thickness is the same as the thickness given in its PSHELL card.  The default base thickness is 0.0, but you can click the toggle to enter a different base thickness.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Parameters

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Name for the design variable.

minmemb off / mindim =

Enter a value for the minimum member size control, or toggle the switch to off.

maxmemb off / maxmemb

Enter a value for the maximum member size control, or toggle the switch to off.

stress constraint

Enter a value for the stress constraint, or toggle the switch to none.

fatigue constraint

Toggle the switch to none, damage < or life >.

mesh type

To specify a minimum dimensions value smaller than the recommended size of 3 times average element length, check the mesh type check-box and set the toggle to aligned.

This defines your mesh as being rectilinear and generally aligned in a single direction. See DTPL in the OptiStruct online help for more details.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Draw

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Name for the design variable.

draw type

Select none, single or split.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Extrusion

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Name for the design variable.

extrusion type

Select none, no twist or twist.

primary path

Defines the direction of the extrusion.

secondary path

Indicates how the extrusion is twisted.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Pattern Grouping

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Name for the design variable.

pattern type

Select a pattern type from the drop down menu.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Pattern Repetition

Panel Inputs

Input

Action

desvar

Name for the design variable

master / slave / none

Determine whether you are establishing a master coordinate system, a slave design variable, or neither.

system /coordinates

Choose to manually enter the values for the coordinate system, or to graphically select the system.

global system / local system

Reference coordinate system

anchor

Select the anchor node.

 

hmtoggle_arrow1Command Buttons

The following action buttons appear throughout the subpanels:

Button

Action

create

Create the design variable.

reject

Revert the most recent changes.

review

Review the load in the graphic area.

update

Update the load with the most recent changes.

return

Exit the panel.

 

See Also:

Manufacturability for Topology Optimization in the OptiStruct online help