Designe optimization software advise
Designe optimization software advise
(OP)
I was reading through the forum and noticed a post that mentioned that software can help auto-optimize during the FEA process. What software is recommended and will it help in the following situation?
Currently using Catia V5R17-64 with all the FEA add-ons.
I design large open deck trailers and I am looking for something to help optimize the weight by optimizing the thickness/shape of the basic structure (4 manufactured I-beams, with cross members). The beams/parts are all cut from High Yield strength steel (A514).
The budget for this product needs to be less than $20,000 for every pound saves us around $1 and any weight savings will increase our market share.
Currently using Catia V5R17-64 with all the FEA add-ons.
I design large open deck trailers and I am looking for something to help optimize the weight by optimizing the thickness/shape of the basic structure (4 manufactured I-beams, with cross members). The beams/parts are all cut from High Yield strength steel (A514).
The budget for this product needs to be less than $20,000 for every pound saves us around $1 and any weight savings will increase our market share.





RE: Designe optimization software advise
Garland E. Borowski, PE
Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services, Inc.
Lower Alabama SolidWorks Users Group
Magnitude The Finite Element Analysis Magazine for the Engineering Community
RE: Designe optimization software advise
The main frame pivots over the first axle generally due to load being in front of it. The trailer is preset with a camber which when under full load must be level. The beams over the hangers/axles are slopped when unloaded and need to also be level when full load is applied.
Do you know if this software is capable under these situations?
Thank you for your help thus far,
Jeff
RE: Designe optimization software advise
It has actually been a while since I've used it, but your situation sounds perfect. It is fast and easy to understand.
There are other optimization softwares out there, but at a quick glance, Hypersizer looks like a good option for your needs.
RE: Designe optimization software advise
I have no idea how it stacks up against Hypersizer, it has the disadvantage that it uses its own solver, rather than generating models for a standard solver. It is also heavily biased towards stiffness and frequency targets, for solid elements.
However it works well and runs quickly.
A third alternative is OpenFEM for Matlab and Scilab. This is more of a roll your own solution - but gives you complete control over the optimisation process. OpenFEM itself is free, but you will spend many hours getting your model to work. Using this I was able to automatically optimise a beam element model, something I believe that other products cannot do. Presumably the solver is rather slow compared with a real one, but that doesn't matter with beam element models.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Designe optimization software advise
RE: Designe optimization software advise
topology optimzation, i.e finding load path and optimal
shape:
http://www.onlinefeasolver.com/load_path.php
Principal - http://www.OnlineFEASolver.com
General FEA Consulting Services
RE: Designe optimization software advise
This one is not bad too define a meshed design space and put the bc's on and it will come up with an optimum mesh.