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.
    FeatureManager design tree Design study tab
  • 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.