What are the differences between Inspire and HyperWorks in terms of Topology Optimization?

Hung

Currently, I am using topology optimization to design compliant mechanisms. But I don't know if Inspire or HyperWorks software would be more appropriate:

1/ Which software can solve the 2D optimization problem?

2/ How can I extract the number of iterations in Topology Optimization in these softwares?

Thank you.

RobHoglund

Hi Hung Le,

Both Inspire and Hyperworks (OptiStruct) can be used for topology optimization.  Inspire contains a limited subset of the full optimization capability which is available in OptiStruct (Altair structural optimization code).

Both softwares can do topology optimization on 2D structures.  You can look at the .h3d file In HyperView or the .out file generated in the run directory to see the number of design iterations for the optimization run.

To optimize compliant mechanisms, the full feature set of OptiStruct may be more appropriate depending on your goals.  For instance, you wouldn't be able to maximize compliance with Inspire.  Objectives in Inspire are limited to minimizing compliance (for maximum stiffness), minimizing mass, or maximizing frequency.  OptiStruct offers more depth in how the optimization is setup, but you will need to do a more in-depth definition of the optimization.