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Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
Structural Optimization
Set up and run a topology, topography, or gauge optimization.
Run Optimization
Define and run a topology, topography, or gauge optimization using the Run Optimization tool.
Optimization Objectives
When running an optimization, your objective may be to maximize stiffness, maximize frequency, or minimize mass. Different objectives are available based on the type of optimization selected.

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Parametric Modeling
Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
Implicit Modeling
Create implicit models with primitives, lattices, point clouds, fields, offsetting, Booleans, inverting, smoothing, morphing, and filleting.
Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
- Model Setup
  Create connections and apply loads, constraints, materials, and manufacturing controls to your model.
- Structural Analysis
  Set up and run a linear static analysis using the SimSolid or OptiStruct solver. You can also analyze normal modes and buckling modes.
- Structural Optimization
  Set up and run a topology, topography, or gauge optimization.
  - Optimization Overview
    Optimization will find the most effecitve design for each design space in a model in response to the applied loading conditions on that model. You can run several different types of optimization including topology, topography,gauge, and PolyNURBS shape optimization.
  - Design Spaces for Optimization
  - Run Options: Local vs. Remote
    Choose whether to run jobs locally or on a remote job server.
  - Run Optimization
    Define and run a topology, topography, or gauge optimization using the Run Optimization tool.
    - Set Up and Run an Optimization
      To run an optimization, select the Run Optimization tool, choose a run type and objective, and click Run.
    - Optimization Types
      Several different types of optimization are available in Inspire, including topology, topography, and gauge optimization.
    - Optimization Objectives
      When running an optimization, your objective may be to maximize stiffness, maximize frequency, or minimize mass. Different objectives are available based on the type of optimization selected.
      - Maximize Stiffness
        Maximizing stiffness is one of several optimization objectives, and is available with topology, topography, and gauge optimization.
      - Maximize Frequency
        Maximizing frequency is one of several optimization objectives, and is available for topology, topography, and gauge optimization.
      - Minimize Mass
        Minimizing mass is one of several optimization objectives, and is available with topology, and gauge optimization.
    - Optimization Constraints
      Most optimization constraints are applied using the Run Optimization window. The constraints that are available change based on the optimization type and objective.
    - Optimization Options
      In addition to selecting an optimization type, objective, and constraints, you can also select from a variety of additional options when running an optimization.
    - Export a FEM File (optimization)
      Export a FEM file using the Export button on the Run Optimization window.
  - Show Optimization Results
    View and compare optimization results, view design violations, and explore the generated shape.
- Report
  Generate PPT or PDF reports from analysis results. The Report tools are available after you have run an analysis.
Motion
Set up and run a motion analysis, plot the results, and export the results.
Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
Design Explorer
Evaluate designs by using geometric variables and applying a design-of-experiments (DOE) or optimization method. We recommend fully constraining your sketch when sketch variables are used in the design exploration.
Manufacture
Set up and run a basic porosity or thinning analysis.
Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
Rendering
Adjust the materials and environment of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Inspire Python API
Learn how to access the Inspire Python API including online help, quick start demos, and the Extension Manager.
Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

Optimization Objectives

When running an optimization, your objective may be to maximize stiffness, maximize frequency, or minimize mass. Different objectives are available based on the type of optimization selected.

Use the Objective setting on the Run Optimization window to select an optimization objective.

The Run Optimization window can be accessed by clicking Run Optimization

on the Optimize icon.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.

Given a particular design space and the set of loads, supports, and shape controls applied to your model, you will see different results depending on which optimization objective you select.

Maximize Stiffness: For topology optimization, the resulting shape will resist deflection, but may be heavier as a consequence. For topography optimization, the resulting shape will create beads to resist deflection. For gauge, it will change the thickness of the part to resist deflection.
Maximize Frequency: For topography optimization, the resulting shape will create beads to increase frequency. For gauge, it will change the thickness of the part to maximize the frequency.
Minimize Mass: For topology optimization, the resulting shape will be lighter but may deflect more. For gauge, it will change the thickness of the part to minimize mass.