About the Plate Example

This example shows the basic workflow in a bead optimization task. Boundary conditions are part of the Design Variables.

About the Model

In the following figure the initial model is illustrated. The boundary is fixed and the center is loaded with a pressure load



All nodes of the model should be used for optimization. The boundary nodes, which are fixed in the finite element model, should also be fixed during optimization. Therefore, the node fixations of the finite element model are activated for the optimization procedure.

Procedure Summary

Model: plate.ext
Design Area: All nodes
Design Variable Constraint: Apply boundary conditions for all nodes
Objective: Maximize stiffness (minimize compliance)
Constraint: Maximum bead height 20 mm
Options: Read boundary conditions for all nodes
Settings: 60 mm bead width