Designe optimization software advise 6

[engjeff]

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.

 

[GBor]

I would look at HyperSizer (

http://www.hypersizer.com).

I know it interfaces with Nastran products. Not sure about Catia, but for such seemingly simple geometry, you probably don't need the FEA interface. HyperSizer may be able to handle it internally.

Garland E. Borowski, PE
Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services, Inc.
Lower Alabama SolidWorks Users Group
Magnitude The Finite Element Analysis Magazine for the Engineering Community

 

[engjeff]

I am requesting evaluation of Hypersizer now.

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

 

[GBor]

You may need the Nastran interface, but you can set constraints for max displacement (basically, the height of the camber), and max moment about a certain location (if you don't want the pivoting to occur about the front axle), establish a range of under-girding beam sizes for different regions and an increment that you want to consider (3" to 5" deep beams at .25" increments for it to evaluate 3", 3.25", 3.5", etc.).

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.

 

[GregLocock]

Another option is Altair's Optistruct.

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

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[dmacx]

I recommend Hypersizer as well. Also, HEEDS is another product to check out.

 

[OnlineFEASolver]

You can try my program here, but it is only limited to
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

 

[jelmerra]

http://www.intes.de/kategorie_permas/modules/optimization/opt/

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.