Topology Optimization Goals and Tool Options

Topology Optimization Goals

The following topology optimization goals are available:


Maximize Stiffness	This option uses iterative static structural analysis to maximize stiffness and minimize compliance. It reduces the volume or mass but maintains the maximum stiffness possible for the remaining structure.
Maximize Natural Frequency	This option uses iterative natural frequency analysis to minimize the response to frequency vibration.
Balance Stiffness and Frequency	This option uses a combination of static structural and natural frequency analysis to both maximize stiffness and minimize the response to frequency vibration.
Target Natural Frequency	This option uses iterative natural frequency analysis to optimize at a target specified frequency.
Minimize Volume	This option removes material from the topology based on a target stress, factor of safety or aggressiveness.
Minimize Stress	This option enables you to reduce by percent or volume, but also select whether that reduction is based on von Mises stress or Principal stress.

The following tool options, available under Manufacturing Constraints, are common to all goals:


Min thickness	Select to specify the minimum size of connected parts. Enter the Minimum thickness value in the physics tree.
Max thickness	Select to specify the maximum size of connected parts. Enter the Maximum thickness value in the physics tree.
Pull direction	For mold-based manufacturing processes, enable this option to define the direction that the optimized product will be removed from the mold. Then by double-clicking Pull direction in the physics tree.
Table direction	For a multi-axis milling process, enable this option if you want to define the direction from which approach to the machine is blocked. Then by double-clicking Table direction in the physics tree.
Overhang prevention	For a 3D printing process, enable this option if you want to define the growing direction of the manufacturing process. Then by double-clicking Overhang prevention in the Physics Tree.

The remaining tables discuss options specific to each goal:

The following tool options are specific to the Maximize Stiffness goal.


Volume reduction	This option is dependent on the Reduce setting. If reducing by percentage, the percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions to be protected during optimization. If reducing by volume, a distance value.
Reduce by percent	This option directs the optimization to reduce depending on a specified percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions that should be protected during optimization.
Reduce by volume	This option directs the optimization to reduce by a distance value.

The following tool options are specific to the Maximize Natural Frequency goal.


Volume reduction	This option is dependent on the Reduce setting. If reducing by percentage, the percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions to be protected during optimization. If reducing by volume, a distance value.
Reduce by percent	This option directs the optimization to reduce depending on a specified percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions that should be protected during optimization.
Reduce by volume	This option directs the optimization to reduce by a distance value.

The following tool options are specific to the Balance Stiffness and Frequency goal.


Volume reduction	This option is dependent on the Reduce setting. If reducing by percentage, the percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions to be protected during optimization. If reducing by volume, a distance value.
Reduce by percent	This option directs the optimization to reduce depending on a specified percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions that should be protected during optimization.
Reduce by volume	This option directs the optimization to reduce by a distance value.

The following tool options are specific to the Target Natural Frequency goal.


Target frequency	The targeted natural frequency value.

The following tool options are specific to the Minimize Volume goal.


Maximum stress	The maximum stress value upon which volume minimization is based. Available if Von Mises stress or Principal stress are selected.
Von Mises stress	Select to minimize volume based on a maximum equivalent stress. Note: While this value is used to guide the optimizer, the Von Mises stress at convergence may differ slightly.
Principal stress	Select to minimize volume based on a maximum principal stress.
Factor of safety (selection)	Select to minimize volume based on a specified factor of safety.
Factor of safety (value)	The factor of safety value. Available if Factor of safety is enabled.
Stiffness reduction	Select to minimize volume based on stiffness reduction.
Aggressiveness	The value that determines how aggressively the solver refines the shape.

The following tool options are specific to the Minimize Stress goal.


Volume reduction	This option is dependent on the Reduce setting. If reducing by percentage, the percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions to be protected during optimization. If reducing by volume, a distance value.
Reduce by percent	This option directs the optimization to reduce depending on a specified percentage of distance surrounding applied conditions that should be protected during optimization.
Reduce by volume	This option directs the optimization to reduce by a distance value.
Minimize von Mises stress	Select to minimize equivalent stress.
Minimize principal stress	Select to minimize principal stress.