discrete material optimization / multi material optimization

Altair Forum User
Altair Forum User
Altair Employee
edited October 2020 in Community Q&A

Hi all,

 

is there a way to do a topology optimization where the solver can choose from given materials (eg. Material A(stiff) or B(elastic)) instead of changing the density of ONE material?. I have read in papers about 'discrete material optimization' or 'multi material optimization' where exactly this is done. Is this supported in Optistruct? 

 

 

regards

Michael

 

 

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Answers

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited August 2015

    Hi Michael8,

     

    You can optimize the material parameters in Size optimization.

     

    Topology optimization is more concentrated on material density distribution.

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited August 2015
    Altair Forum User said:

    You can optimize the material parameters in Size optimization.

     

     

    I have tried to do that. in the generic relationship i selected by material, and can then choose my 'basic material' and the parameter i want to change (in my case the Shear modulus G). Then i seleced my design variable (using DDVL discrete values). 

     

    This was done for each 'zone' of my part that i want to optimize. and a new property for each zone with the respective basic material of the zone.

     

    but somehow nothing was done in the optimization (i defined everything.. responses, objective, constraints, variables, ...)

     

    I use solid elements -- is that maybe the problem? that sizing optimization only works for 1d and 2d elements at the moment?...

     

    regards.

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited August 2015

    Hi,

     

    Yes, try with 2D elements.

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