How to solve a topology optimization problem?

After completing the steps outlined in How to create a topology optimization problem?, the description of the optimization problem is complete. Then, to run the topology optimization procedure:
  • While in pre-processing, click the Solving menu;
  • Select the command Run Topology Optimizaton.

At this point, Flux 2D will display the Run Topology Optimizaton dialog box and ask for the following data:

Figure 1. The Run Topology Optimization dialog box.
  • The Faces to optimize, i.e., a list of geometrical faces representing the parts of the device that will be subjected to optimization.
  • The Solving scenario previously created;
  • The name of the Working directory that will store data generated by the Flux-OptiStruct coupling during the optimization procedure;
  • The Optimization problem previously described;
  • The Topology optimization method to be employed. Two options are available from the drop-down menu:
    • the Density method and
    • the LevelSet method.

Once all the required data has been provided, click OK to launch the topology optimization. Flux 2D will them invoke the OptiStruct coupling and a new window will appear, displaying the OptiStruct iterations until convergence (or until the maximum number of iterations configured in the Optimization options has been reached).

Note: It is possible to interrupt the optimization during its execution by simply closing the OptiStruct window displaying the iterations.
Important: Before running the topological optimization in a project, verify if OptiStruct was properly installed in your system and if Flux Supervisor was correctly configured with its path. Further information is available in the section Software requirements.