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.
| FeatureManager design tree |
Design study tab |
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- Goals: You use sensors to define
optimization goals. You can Maximize or Minimize variables defined as sensors, or specify targeted
numerical values by selecting
the option
is close to. For example, you can run an
optimization study to evaluate the length of a cantilever beam that can
sustain
a
maximum deflection of
1mm.
The maximum number of combined constraints and goals should not exceed
20. The maximum number of design variables you can define is 20. For best results,
you
should define no more than 3 or 4 goals for a single design optimization
study.