Is it possible to define what section to obtain after optimization?

Serge Mrad
Serge Mrad Altair Community Member
edited December 2022 in Community Q&A

Hello! I am running a maximizing stiffness optimization on a structural steel connection.
Kindly, I would like to ask if there is a way to define what section to obtain after optimization?
For instance, I am aiming to have a hollow section after optimization. Is there a way to do it?

Thank you for your time!

 

Answers

  • Adriano A. Koga
    Adriano A. Koga
    Altair Employee
    edited December 2022

    If you're running Topology Optimization you cannot pre-define what kind of section you will get at the end, as the optimizer will give you the best topology for your intended loads.

    If you already have a concept in mind, I'd say that you should try shape optimization instead, as you start from a predefined section and then you can change its dimensions to achieve the best feasible option.

    Also in Inspire, you can create a parametric section and use Design Explorer to change this section and get a better result as well.

    There are a few tutorials for these 2 options I believe.