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Example Guide
The OptiStruct Example Guide is a collection of solved examples for various solution sequences and optimization types and provides you with examples of the real-world applications and capabilities of OptiStruct.
Topology Optimization
OS-E: 0880 Volume and Thermal Compliance Responses
Topology optimization of an aluminum heat sink with fins is be performed. The design space is modeled using first order Tetra elements.

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OptiStruct is a proven, modern structural solver with comprehensive, accurate and scalable solutions for linear and nonlinear analyses across statics and dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, heat transfer, and multiphysics disciplines.
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User Guide
This manual provides detailed information regarding the features, functionality, and simulation methods available in OptiStruct.
Reference Guide
This manual provides a detailed list and usage information regarding input entries, output entries, and parameters available in OptiStruct.
Example Guide
The OptiStruct Example Guide is a collection of solved examples for various solution sequences and optimization types and provides you with examples of the real-world applications and capabilities of OptiStruct.
- Nonlinear Small Displacement Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear small displacement analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Large Displacement Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear large displacement analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Transient Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear transient analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Frequency Response Analysis
- Normal Modes Analysis
  This section presents normal modes analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Complex Eigenvalue Analysis
  This section presents complex eigenvalue analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Thermal and Heat Transfer Analysis
  This section presents thermal and heat transfer analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Analysis Techniques
  This section presents analysis technique examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Topology Optimization
  - OS-E: 0805 Two-dimensional Michell-truss
    The two-dimensional Michell-truss is an optimal topology structure generated under bending.
  - OS-E: 0810 Suspension Bridge
    The suspension bridge topology is an optimal structure generated under a distributed load. A fine mesh is generated to simulate the design space and loads are applied. The distributed load forms a single load case.
  - OS-E: 0815 Cantilever Beam in Bending
    Demonstrates how OptiStruct creates optimized design concepts from a solid block of material.
  - OS-E: 0820 Air Conditioner Bracket
    The air conditioner bracket is an optimal topology structure generated under both linear static stiffness and modal frequency response. Shell elements are used to ensure that the bracket is manufacturable using a casting process.
  - OS-E: 0825 Multi-Model Optimization (MMO) – Design Scaling with Pattern Repetition in 2 Different C-Clips
    Multi-Model Optimization can be used in applications that require optimizing parts of different sizes. This is accomplished by using the SCALE continuation line on linked DTPL and DSIZE entries in the models on which the scaled design is to be applied.
  - OS-E: 0830 Multi-Model Optimization (MMO) – Pattern Repetition of an Excavator Arm
    Multi-Model Optimization is demonstrated in this Excavator example using Topology optimization design variables that are linked between the two models.
  - OS-E: 0835 Failsafe Topology Optimization of 3D Column
    Demonstrates Failsafe topology optimization of a 3D column, using OptiStruct.
  - OS-E: 0840 Lattice Structure Optimization
    Lattice optimization of a statically loaded cantilever beam is demonstrated.
  - OS-E: 0845 Control Arm with Local Stress Constraint
    Demonstrates the use of Stress Constraint in Topology Optimization on a control arm.
  - OS-E: 0850 V-Bracket using RADOPT
    Demonstrates topology optimization of a V-bracket with RADOPT technique, using OptiStruct. RADOPT is Radioss optimization using OptiStruct. The equivalent static load method (ESLM) is used to perform the optimization run here.
  - OS-E: 0855 Reliability-based Topology Optimization of a Plate
    A Reliability-based Topology Optimization (RBTO) of a 2D plate is demonstrated, using OptiStruct.
  - OS-E: 0880 Volume and Thermal Compliance Responses
    Topology optimization of an aluminum heat sink with fins is be performed. The design space is modeled using first order Tetra elements.
  - OS-E: 0885 Bore Distortion Responses
    Topology optimization of a cylinder block with a bore will be performed. The cylinder block is modeled using first order solid (Hexa and Penta) elements.
  - OS-E: 0890 Maximum Bead Width Constrain for Topology Optimization of Oil Pan
    Maximum bead width constraint is implemented to prevent the formation of large beads during topography optimization.
  - OS-E: 0895 Flat Plate with Thermal Compliance Response
    Demonstrates the usage of thermal compliance responses with Topology Optimization in OptiStruct.
  - OS-E: 0896 Multi-Material Topology Optimization of Automotive Cradle
    Multi-Material Optimization (MMO) can be used in applications that require optimizing the parts of different materials. This method offers an initial concept-level look at material placement within the structure, where multiple materials can be evaluated.
  - OS-E: 0897 Multi-Material Topology Optimization of Automotive Chassis
    Multi-Material Optimization (MMO) can be used in applications that require optimizing the parts of different materials. This method offers an initial concept-level look at material placement within the structure, where multiple materials can be evaluated.
- Size (Parameter) Optimization
- Free-shape Optimization
- Shape Optimization
  This section presents shape optimization example problems, solved using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used in shape optimization.
- Topography Optimization
  The examples in this section demonstrate how topography optimization generates both bead reinforcements in stamped plate structures and rib reinforcements for solid structures.
- ESLM Optimization
  The examples in this section demonstrate how the Equivalent Static Load Method (ESLM) can be used for the optimization of flexible bodies in multibody systems.
- Multiphysics
  This section presents multiphysic examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Rotor Dynamics
- Response Spectrum
  This section presents response spectrum examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Explicit Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear explicit analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Piezoelectric Analysis
  This section presents piezoelectric analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
Verification Problems
This manual presents solved verification models including NAFEMS problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides quick responses to typical and frequently asked questions regarding OptiStruct.

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OS-E: 0880 Volume and Thermal Compliance Responses

Topology optimization of an aluminum heat sink with fins is be performed. The design space is modeled using first order Tetra elements.

Figure 1. FE Model with Loadcases and Loadstep

Model Files

Before you begin, copy the file(s) used in this example to your working directory.

Optim_Topol3D_Thermique_TCOMP.fem

Model Description

An aluminum heat sink with fins, which is modeled using solid elements and has a convective heat source at one end and the ambient temperature is maintained zero. Total volume responses and a thermal compliance responses were created. The objective is to reduce the thermal compliance by changing the density of the elements. A design constrain is defined for volume response with an upper bound value of 93000.

Objective: Minimize the thermal compliance
Constrains: Upper bound on total volume response
Design Variables: Density of each element in the design space

Results

Figure 2. Average Element Densities