only PROPS available as DESVAR in Topology optimization

Altair Forum User

Hi friends.

I am a new entrant into HW suite, and have started with Optistruct for learning to use HW products.

As a beginner exercise, I have tried to go with tutorials provided on HW website.

In the first tutorial, regarding optimization of Housing assembly, I am facing the following issue:

In the DESVAR option, as shown in tutorial, the option to be selected in ELEMS, while in my case, only PROPS (which i guess is defining the element solid properties, used is MAT1).

I have followed all steps as shown in tutorial.

Is there some issue with the element building? or if any other setting is to be used?

I am using Optistruct (as required in tutorial) in the Preference menu.

Please help

Regards

Altair Forum User

I believe you are doing topology optimization.

In the topology optimization you have to follow design variable>responses>constraints>objective.

Design Variables most often are the property assigned to your design space.

This can be defined as follows

optimization>topology>create

in the create subpanel you will see desvar(it is the name you want to define for the variable) ,then on the right hand side you will see a pop up say prop from here select the property already defined to the design room.

In the lower left hand side check the correct element type (these are the type of elements you used for meshing the design room).

finally click the create button .and check in the tree if a new design variable is created.