Performing an Optimization Study

  1. On the Design Study tab, click the Properties icon and define the quality for the study.
  2. On the Variable View or Table View tab of the design study, in Variables, define continuous or discrete variables.
    The combination of the quality and the defined variables determines the outcome of the design study.
  3. In Constraints, select predefined sensors or add new sensors and specify the conditions that your design must satisfy.
  4. In Goals, select predefined sensors or add new sensors and specify the objectives.
  5. Select the Optimization check box and click Run.
  6. On the Results View tab, view the values of variables, constraints, and goals for the iterations, as well as the optimal solution.
    You can select a scenario's column to update the model with the current set of variable values in the graphics window. You can also move the slider located to the right of each variable to update the model.
  7. On the left frame of the Design Study tab, under Results and Graphs , select any existing sensors associated with a simulation study. (Not available in SOLIDWORKS Standard and SOLIDWORKS Professional.)
    The program updates the plot in the graphics window. Clicking an iteration or scenario updates the bodies and the plot in the graphics window.
  8. Right-click Results and Graphs and click one:

    Purge Results

    Deletes the results but keeps the definition of the study.

    Define Design History Graph

    Plot a 2D graph of a design variable, objective (goal), or constraint with respect to the scenario number if you defined only discrete variables.

    Define Local Trend Graph

    Plot a 2D graph of an objective (goal) or a constraint with respect to a design variable. The plot is not available if you use the High Quality option for study quality and you define discrete variables only.

    Customize Menu

    You can include or exclude the options that appear on the menu when you right-click Results and Graphs .