Location: Analysis page – Optimization panel
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:
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Panel Inputs
Input
|
Action
|
desvar
|
Name for the design variable.
|
draw type
|
Select none, single or split.
|
|
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.
|
|
Panel Inputs
Input
|
Action
|
desvar
|
Name for the design variable.
|
pattern type
|
Select a pattern type from the drop down menu.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
