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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 Types
Several different types of optimization are available in Inspire, including topology, topography, and gauge optimization.
PolyNURBS Shape Optimization
PolyNURBS shape optimization is used to optimize your PolyNURBS design.

Welcome
What's New
Discover new features and enhancements.
Get Started
New to Inspire? Learn the basics here.
Tutorials
Start using Inspire with our interactive tutorials.
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.
      - Topology Optimization
        The topology optimization process carves material away from design spaces, creating the lightest structure capable of withstanding the forces you apply to your model.
      - Topography Optimization
        Topography optimization is an advanced form of shape optimization that generates beads or swages on a design space.
      - Gauge Optimization
        Gauge optimization is used to optimize the thickness of a design space. Note that gauge optimization only works on parts that are defined by surface geometry.
      - PolyNURBS Shape Optimization
        PolyNURBS shape optimization is used to optimize your PolyNURBS design.
    - 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.
    - 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.

PolyNURBS Shape Optimization

PolyNURBS shape optimization is used to optimize your PolyNURBS design.

Shape variables are required to run PolyNURBS shape optimization, and can be defined using the Shape Variables tool on the PolyNURBS ribbon. Shape variables define the movement of cage points, and shape optimization modifies these locations to update the shape.

Use the Run Optimization tool to set up and run a PolyNURBS shape optimization.

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

PolyNURBS optimization only works on PolyNURBS parts.
When running a PolyNURBS optimization, the objective is to minimize mass subject to stress, frequency, or displacement.
The results of a PolyNURBS optimization are shown as analysis results rather than optimization results. PolyNURBS results appear as alternatives in the Model Browser.

Figure 1. Design Space

Figure 2. Optimized Shape

Element Size

The element size dictates the quality of your results. In general, the smaller the element size, the more accurate the result, but the slower it will run.

Click the icon to revert to the default value.

Shape Variables

When you run a PolyNURBS shape optimization, you can select which shape variables to include in the Run Optimization window.

PolyNURBS Shape Optimization Results

Instead of the Shape Explorer, the Analysis Explorer is displayed at the end of a successful PolyNURBS shape optimization.