Topology Panel

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

Location: Analysis page > Optimization panel
Note: Only available in the OptiStruct solver interface.

Create Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
props Select one or more properties of the selected type.
type Select a property type.
base thickness Choose to use the default base thickness of 0.0 or 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.

Note: Available when type is set to PSHELL.

Update Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
props Select one or more properties of the selected type.
type Select a property type.
base thickness Choose to use the default base thickness of 0.0 or 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.

Note: Available when type is set to PSHELL.

Parameters Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
minmemb off / mindim = Specify a value for the minimum member size control, or toggle the switch to off.
maxmemb off / maxmemb Specify a value for the maximum member size control, or toggle the switch to off.
stress constraint Specify a value for the stress constraint, or toggle the switch to none.
fatigue constraint Choose none, damage < or life >.
mesh type Specify a minimum dimensions value smaller than the recommended size of 3 times average element length by enabling the mesh type checkbox and select aligned.

This defines your mesh as being rectilinear and generally aligned in a single direction.

Draw Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
draw type Select none, single or split.

Extrusion Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
extrusion type Select none, no twist or twist.
primary path Specify the direction of the extrusion.
secondary path Specify how the extrusion is twisted.

Pattern Grouping Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable.
pattern type Select a pattern type.

Pattern Repetition Subpanel

Option Action
desvar Specify a name for the design variable
master / slave / none Select 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 Select a reference coordinate system.
anchor Select the anchor node.

Command Buttons

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.