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Optimization Design Study

You specify values for each variable, either as discrete values or as a range. You use sensors as constraints and as goals. The software runs iterations of the values and reports the optimum combination of values to meet your specified goal.

To perform an optimization, on the Design Study tab, you select the Optimization check box. If you choose to define Variables as a Range or Goals, the program automatically activates the Optimization Design Study. In most cases, use the Variable View tab to set up the parameters for the Optimization Design Study.
Use the Table View tab to manually define certain scenarios with only discrete variables, run them, and find the optimal scenario.

An optimization study is defined by goals or objective functions, as well as design variables, and constraints. For example, you can vary dimensions of a body to minimize the amount of material while constraining stresses so that they do not exceed a specified limit. In this case, the volume you are minimizing is the objective function, the dimensions you are varying are the design variables, and the stress limit is the behavior constraint.

  • Variables: You select from a list of predefined parameters or define a new parameter by selecting Add Parameter. You can use any simulation parameter and driving global variables. You define the variables as Range, Discrete Values, or Range with Step.

    You can define a combination of discrete and continuous variables. If you define only discrete variables, the program finds the optimal scenario only from the predefined scenarios.
  • Constraints: You select from a list of predefined sensors or define a new sensor. When using simulation results, select the simulation study associated with the sensor. The design study runs the simulation studies you selected and tracks the sensor values for all iterations. You can also use a driven global variables for constraints.
    FeatureManager design tree Design study tab
  • Goals: You use sensors to define the goals. You can also define exact goals, for example, a cantilever tip deflection of 1mm with its length as the variable.


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