Thickness Constraints

When running a topology optimization, you can control wall thicknesses and the diameters of beam-like members in a shape by specifying a minimum and/or maximum thickness. Wall thicknesses are controlled by the same parameter.

  1. On the Structures ribbon, click 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.
  2. Select Topology for the optimization Type.
  3. Select an optimization Objective. The options in the Run Optimization window will change based on which objective you select.
  4. Enter thickness constraints.

    • To set a minimum thickness constraint, select the Minimum checkbox and enter a value in the text field.
    • To set a maximum thickness constraint, select the Maximum checkbox and enter a value in the text field. Note that you can set a minimum thickness, a maximum thickness, or both.
    • If at any time you want to restore the default minimum or maximum thickness constraints, click the icons.
  5. Define additional optimization constraints and options as desired.
  6. Click Run to start the optimization.
  7. When complete, double-click the name of the run to view the results.
Tip:
  • Inspire provides default values for both thickness constraints. The Maximum thickness constraint is only enabled if the Minimum thickness constraint is enabled first. The default thickness is 3 times the average element size. The default maximum thickness is 2 times the value entered for minimum thickness.
  • Optimization run times increase as the thickness constraints become smaller. So to keep your run times reasonable, your geometry should not have very fine details. It should be as coarse as you can make it while still maintaining structurally significant features.