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Optimization
Setup an Optimization in HyperMesh.
Design Interpretation - OSSmooth
OSSmooth is a semi-automated design interpretation software, facilitating the recovery of a modified geometry resulting from a structural optimization, for further use in the design process and FEA reanalysis.
Interpretation of Composite Free Sizing Optimization Results
A free sizing optimization on composite materials is run to determine the optimal ply shapes and fiber orientation/material selection.

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Setup an Optimization in HyperMesh.
- Structural Design and Optimization
  Structural design tools include topology, topography, and free-size optimization.
- Setup Optimization in HyperMesh
  Simple steps for setting up your optimization in HyperMesh.
- Design Interpretation - OSSmooth
  OSSmooth is a semi-automated design interpretation software, facilitating the recovery of a modified geometry resulting from a structural optimization, for further use in the design process and FEA reanalysis.
  - OSSmooth Parameter File
    Parameter statements in the OSSmooth parameter file.
  - Run OSSmooth
  - Interpretation of Topology Optimization Results
    Topology optimization results are interpreted to provide an iso-density surface based on the volumetric density information of a topology optimization, which is conducted using OptiStruct.
  - Laplacian Smoothing
    Laplacian smoothing can be used in the smoothing of the results of topology optimization.
  - Interpretation of Topography Optimization Results
    The autobead feature of OSSmooth allows OptiStruct topography optimization results to be interpreted as one or two level beads.
  - Interpretation of Composite Free Sizing Optimization Results
    A free sizing optimization on composite materials is run to determine the optimal ply shapes and fiber orientation/material selection.
  - Shape Optimization Results, Surface Reduction and Surface Smoothing
    OSSmooth may also be used to reduce and smooth surfaces or the surfaces of a domain.
  - FEA Topology for Reanalysis
    FEA topology for reanalysis provides an iso-density surface based on the volumetric density information from a topology optimization. Through tetrameshing for 3D models and inheriting boundary conditions, the results from FEA topology can be used for quick reanalysis.
  - FEA Topography for Reanalysis
    The FEA topography option in OSSmooth allows the results from an OptiStruct topography optimization to be interpreted as one or two level beads and recover boundary conditions upon geometry extraction. An option for iso surface is also provided for combined use, which performs the same functionality as FEA topology, with FEA topography.
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Interpretation of Composite Free Sizing Optimization Results

A free sizing optimization on composite materials is run to determine the optimal ply shapes and fiber orientation/material selection.

After this optimization phase is run, the next step is to:

Interpret the optimized ply shapes,
Smooth the ply boundaries, and
Setup a subsequent, more detailed size optimization run to determine the number of plies that are required for each ply shape and material.

With the input file for the size optimization phase automatically generated by OptiStruct, handling the ply interpretation and smoothing process can be a tedious, manual process. Altair's ply shape interpretation functionality streamlines this design interpretation process, by allowing the interpretation of optimized ply shapes from a composite free sizing optimization.

During the interpretation process, the boundaries of the ply shapes are smoothed, and options are available to create separate ply entities for disconnected ply patches and for the treatment of very small ply coverage regions.

Additionally, after the smoothing and interpretation process is complete, a ready-to-run OptiStruct input deck is generated using the smoothed ply shapes and updated ply definitions, all while preserving the material definition, properties and fiber orientation.

Figure 1. Ply Shape from Free Size Optimization

Figure 2. Smoothed Ply Boundary after Running OSSmooth

Figure 3. Additional Treatment of Small Regions

The smooth iterations option defines the number of smoothing iterations to be run. Greater smoothing can be achieved by increasing the number of iterations. The default number of iterations is 20.

The small region option determines how very local and small ply coverage regions are treated. Regions smaller than the threshold value will be eliminated during the smoothing process. Two methods of determining what constitutes a small region are available:

Area ratio: Local region area / total design area (real value between 0.0 and 1.0. Default=0.01)
Elem count: Small region identified by number of elements (integer >=0. Default=15)

The split disconnected option can be used to create separate ply entities from disconnected ply coverage regions.