Configuring advanced options

You can configure a condition-based topology optimization.

  1. In the optimization task editor, click the Advanced tab.

  2. Select the Condition-based optimization algorithm.

  3. Select the rate at which the Optimization module will modify the element properties during a topology optimization. You can select the rate (Very small, Small, Moderate, Medium, or Large) and allow the Optimization module to calculate the number of design cycles required to meet this rate.

    Alternatively, you can select Dynamic and enter the maximum number of design cycles. The minimum number of design cycles is 10, and the default value is 15. A reduction in the number of design cycles can lead to undesired effects in the optimization. Although the resulting structures have the same stiffness (the sum of the strain energy is almost equal for the different results), changing the optimization speed can cause a different truss configuration in the solution.

  4. Select the volume deleted after the first cycle. You can enter a percentage or an absolute value.

    By default, the Optimization module removes 5% of the optimization region volume in the first iteration. In some cases increasing this starting value will accelerate the optimization without influencing the solution, especially for models where relatively low stresses are present in large areas. Conversely, the Optimization module may remove too many elements in the first iteration if the starting value is too high, leading to a failure in the optimization or a coarse structure.