Objective: Set up and run a HyperXpert full-factorial DOE solution and review results in the HyperXpert Viewer.
Note
Fundamental to understanding this tool is understanding Design Variation as a measure of producibility:
HyperXpert calculates and visualizes the variance in cross-sectional dimensions across a part surface to help identify designs optimized for weight and producibility. This is explained in detail in the Variation as a Measure of Producibility and Calculating Design Variation reference pages, respectively.
The sections below outline the steps required to actually run a design of experiments on a selected part surface and use the HyperXpert Viewer to plot and review the results. This page is meant to be the condensed, step-by-step guide.
HyperXpert can only be run on a selection of consecutive Zones - i.e. a part surface. So, prior to running this tool, make sure to have all Zones in the part surface:
Start by opening the HyperXpert Runner from the Run tab of the Ribbon.
Tip
You can also define multiple Run Sets to run in Batch mode using the "Batch Runs" option on the Run tab of the Ribbon.
Then, use the resulting form to define the Run Set:
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Name your Run Set - This is the name under which the DOE solution set will be stored and plotted in the HyperXpert Viewer.
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Select the Zones you'd like to run - HyperX requires a selection of Zones (rather than 1 Zone).
Important
Make sure the chosen selection of Zones belongs to the same part surface (consecutively).
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Review Inputs - Once Zones are chosen, the remaining information on this form is automatically populated accordingly.
Tip
We recommend reviewing the Design Property once more to ensure your inputs are set as desired. The number of steps defined for each variable, will directly control how long the DOE solution takes to run.
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Limit Design Space - Use the check box to choose whether or not to limit the design space. When toggled on, thickness variables will not be counted as Constant variables. This decreases both the run time and the number of points collected - but in a logical way - as variables like stiffener spacing, height, etc. (which are still counted in this paradigm) are typically more influential with respect to producibility.
Tip
A similar operation can be done after the DOE is run as a post-process in the HyperXpert viewer. See Filter Heavier Points option in the Plot Options section.
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HyperX Run Settings - As of HyperX version 2026.1.13, this button opens a form where you can select to use the Standard or Solver Sizing/Analysis Engine.
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HyperFEA Settings - As of HyperX version 2026.1.13, you can specify HyperFEA Iterations for this Run Set and quickly access various HyperFEA settings. You can also open the HyperFEA form to access all related settings.
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The Data Tags - Rib and Spar input dialogs can be used to categorize the display of your data in the HyperXpert Viewer, but are not required for input.
A fully-populated Run Form is shown below. When ready, click "Run" at the bottom of the form to run the DOE. You'll notice a progress bar at the bottom of the Viewport once the solution begins.
Note
A HyperXpert DOE solution can take considerably longer than a normal HyperX sizing.
Open the HyperXpert Viewer either from the link on the Run Form, or from the Results tab of the Ribbon.
In the resulting Viewport:
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Use the green (+) in the upper lefthand corner to open the Run Set selector.
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Choose the Run Set name corresponding to the DOE solution defined in previous steps and select "OK".
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The plot will now be populated with the data from this DOE solution. Recall that each data point represents the weight with respect to # variables for the entire selection of Zones, not just a single Zone.
Notice that hovering your cursor over a data point reveals the metadata information for that point. Use the Tree to filter data and identify points based on their constant thicknesses, materials, and/or dimensions. It is also useful to use the Plot Options on the top lefthand corner of the interface. Clicking on a point of interest will automatically populate both the Point Info window and a row in the Point Grid - this way selected designs can be studied in more detail. Find each of these features explained in detail here: HyperXpert Viewer.
Tip
Generally, the lighter-but-less-producible designs are found in the bottom righthand side of the plot, while the heavier-but-more-producible designs are found in the top lefthand corner. Turning on the Pareto Frontier (Plot Option) will identify the pareto optimum points based on this logic.
Once you've selected a design that you're happy with, select the "Create Design Property" option (found in either the Point Info or Point Grid pane).
This will automatically create a Design Property corresponding to the design you selected - with constant inputs for the variables that are linked. The Design Property corresponding to the point selected in the example image is shown below. The constants are identified with read boxes.
Assign this Design Property to your Zones and Size. You'll notice the resulting weight is the same as reported in the HyperXpert plot. Now, though, you can review typical HyperX data such as margin of safety, individual Zone dimensions, and the like.