Description: You can use the new Optimization module to create topology optimizations and shape optimizations. This functionality requires an additional license to submit an optimization process for analysis. Both topology and shape optimizations are governed by a set of objectives and constraints. A topology optimization starts with an initial design (the design area), which is assumed to be the maximum physical extent of the component. The initial design also considers any prescribed conditions, such as boundary conditions and loads. The optimization process determines a new material distribution by changing the density and the stiffness of the elements in the initial design while continuing to satisfy the optimization constraints, such as the minimum volume or the maximum displacement of a region.

Figure 4–3 shows the progression of a topology optimization as it attempts to maximize the stiffness of a loaded curved plate while reducing the volume of the plate by 50% during 15 design cycles.

You use shape optimization at the end of the design process when the general layout of a component is fixed, and only minor changes are allowed by repositioning surface nodes in selected regions. A shape optimization starts with a finite element model that needs minor improvement or with the finite element model generated by a topology optimization. Typically, the objective of a shape optimization is to minimize stress concentrations using the results of a stress analysis to modify the surface geometry of a component until the required stress level is reached. Shape optimization tries to position the surface nodes of the selected region until the stress across the region is constant (stress homogenization).

After you have configured an optimization and submitted it for analysis, Abaqus/CAE iteratively:

• prepares the design variables (element density or surface node position) and updates the Abaqus finite element model, and

• executes an Abaqus/Standard analysis.

• the specified objective functions are satisfied,

• the maximum number of design cycles is reached, or

• specified stop conditions are reached.

Figure 4–4 shows how you configure an optimization and the interaction between Abaqus and the optimization.

Abaqus/CAE provides the following tools for creating, analyzing, and viewing optimizations:

• The new Optimization module allows you to create an optimization task and define the objectives and constraints that govern the optimization.

• You create an optimization process in the Job module. An optimization process refers to an optimization task. You can configure the optimization process in the Job module, submit it for analysis, and monitor its progress.

• Abaqus/CAE automatically creates and displays a view cut in the Visualization module when you open an output database file created by an optimization process, for both topology and shape optimization. Each design cycle of the optimization appears as a frame in the output database file. By default, the view cut displays the model at the isosurface where the value of the material property is zero, which corresponds with elements that have a density and stiffness close to zero and consequently play an insignificant role in the strength of the model.

There are restrictions on the type of Abaqus models that can be optimized; for example, only particular element types and material models are supported. In addition, you must ensure that your Abaqus model can be analyzed and produces the expected results, before you attempt to optimize your model.

Optimization module:
    TaskCreate 
Job module:
    OptimizationCreate
Visualization module:
    ToolsView CutCreate