Optimizing the Part

After completing a stress analysis, you can perform optimization analysis to find the optimal value for one model dimension while satisfying a specified criterion. For example, you can find the optimal length of a part such that the von Mises stresses do not exceed a specified value. Optimization analysis is part of the Design Study in SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
You must run the simulation, plot any results, and view or skip reports before you can perform optimization.

To perform optimization analysis:

  1. Click Optimize in the SimulationXpress wizard.
  2. Select Yes and click Next.
    The DesignXpress study appears below the graphics area. DesignXpress is an introductory version of the optimization tools available in SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
  3. In the graphics area, select a model dimension (design variable) to optimize.
    The model dimension appears in the Add Parameters dialog box.
  4. Click OK.
  5. In the DesignXpress study, under Variables, enter the Min: value, which is the minimum allowable value for the dimension, and the Max: value, which is the maximum allowable value for the dimension.
    When specifying these values, make sure they do not contradict other relations specified in the model.
  6. Under Contraints:
    1. Select the criterion from the list.
      • Factor of Safety
      • Max Displacement
      • Max Stress
    2. Enter the minimum value for Factor of Safety or the maximum value for Max Displacement or Max Stress.
    In SimulationXpress, the goal is always to minimize the mass.
  7. Click Run.
    The results appear in Results View, and the model updates to reflect the optimal value.
    In the SimulationXpress wizard, in Optimization Results, select Initial Value to reset the parameter in the model to the original value. Select Optimal Value to set the parameter to the optimized value.

What More Can I Do With SOLIDWORKS Simulation?