Concept Design
OptiStruct has concept design capabilities for different applications. These applications can be grouped as:
Material Layout Proposals using Topology Optimization
OptiStruct's award-winning design-synthesis technology uses the topology optimization approach to generate innovative concept design proposals. OptiStruct generates an optimal design proposal based on user-defined design space, design targets and manufacturing process parameters.
Bead Design Proposals using Topography Optimization
For thin-walled structures, beads are often used to reinforce the structures. For given allowable bead dimensions, OptiStruct's topography optimization technology will generate innovative design proposals with the optimal bead pattern for reinforcement.
Thickness Distribution Proposals using Free-Size Optimization
Free-size optimization is widely applied in finding the optimal thickness distribution in machined metallic structures and identifying the optimal ply shapes in laminate composites. Element thickness per material layer is a design variable in free-size optimization, allowing the generation of optimal thickness distributions that meet the design requirements. Free-size optimization is the concept design phase of OptiStruct’s composite design and optimization process that identifies optimal ply shapes and drop-off zones.