Objective: Set-up and run a Detailed Sizing optimization on a selection of Zones.
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In a few minutes rigorously Size many structural Zones to all load cases with different materials for a given panel or beam concept. User controls variable bounds. Read more here.
Detailed Sizing is the most widely-used Sizing Mode. Here, the user defines the entire design space - including Material System, dimensional bounds with a corresponding step size for each Sizing Variable for a given Zone. Fabrication requirements can also be prescribed. Each possible design that results from these rules is then evaluated (1) for each Design Load Case and (2) for each failure criteria. The lightest solution that produces all positive margins for all load cases is returned.
Note
For more information on the actual optimization algorithm, see: Optimization Methodology.
In order to run Detailed Sizing, the following tasks must be completed first:
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Add desired Zones to Structures.
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Make sure desired Material System(s) exist and are fully defined in the Material Library.
The ability to select between Analysis and Sizing modes lives on the Design Property - in this way, the selected mode is applied to all Zones that have been assigned that Design Property.
Whether creating a Design Property from scratch or altering an existing one, the steps to enable Detailed Sizing are the same:
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Set the Zone/Element dropdown to Zones.
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Select Detailed Sizing from the three radial buttons.
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For each object, define:
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Minimum Bound
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Maximum Bound
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Step Size
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Material(s)
Tip
Select the 'Use Analysis' check box to implement the Analysis-mode inputs from the same Design Property (rather than Sizing mode inputs) for the corresponding variable. This option is only available for Detailed Sizing mode.
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Click 'Apply'.
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Click 'Close'.
A simple metallic plate Design Property that is set-up for Detailed Sizing is shown below as an example.
For Laminate Design Properties, additional optimization criteria can be prescribed in the form of Ply Angle Percentages, Layup Rules, and Fabrication rules(see "Sizing Options" here). These are also defined on the Design Property form using the expanding buttons, shown in the example below.
An alternative to inputting min/max/steps (or selecting discrete laminates) for each variable on the Design Property is to use the Set Variables tool on the Design Property form, which is only available in Detailed Sizing mode when a Material Type is selected (metal or laminate).
Make sure the new or newly edited Design Property is assigned to the desired Zones. Any Zone that is assigned this design can now be optimized using Detailed Sizing.
Tip
An easy way to check which Design Properties have been assigned to which Zones is to click on the Design Property's node in the Property Tree. Any Zones that have been assigned that design will be highlighted.
Assign a Load Property and an Analysis Property to each Zone.
Select any number of the Zones with the Detailed Sizing Design Property and run the optimization by selecting 'Size' from the Run tab of the Ribbon.
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Plot sizing results on the model in the Viewport using the Legend. Try utilizing the Probe to display results values for specific model features of interest.
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Print an Analysis Detail Report to gain additional understanding on the failure criteria and resulting margins for each Zone for the last iteration.