FE geometry is topology on top of mesh, meaning CAD and mesh exist as a single entity. The purpose of FE geometry
is to add vertices, edges, surfaces, and solids on FE models which have no CAD geometry.
An exploration is a multi-run simulation. Each exploration includes input design variables, and output responses.
Explorations may also include goals, consisting of an objective and constraints.
An input design variable is a system parameter that influences the system performance in the chosen output response.
Typical design variables may be a part's thickness, shape, or material property. Ranges, with lower and upper bounds,
are specified and the variable's value will vary within the exploration. The terms input, input design variable, and
design variable are used interchangeably.
Design variables can be linked to one another to ensure that their values remain the same throughout the exploration.
This is useful in cases of symmetry or when it is known, for example, that two parts will have the same thickness.
In addition, reducing the number of independent variables will reduce the number of runs required for the
exploration.
Constraints need to be satisfied for an optimization to be acceptable. Constraints may also be associated with a DOE.
While not used in the evaluation of the DOE, constraints can be useful while visualizing DOE results. Limits on displacement
or stress are common examples.
An input design variable is a system parameter that influences the system performance in the chosen output response.
Typical design variables may be a part's thickness, shape, or material property. Ranges, with lower and upper bounds,
are specified and the variable's value will vary within the exploration. The terms input, input design variable, and
design variable are used interchangeably.
Use the Connectors tool to create design variables based on selected
connectors.
From the Design Explorer ribbon, click the Connectors
tool.
To:
Do this:
Create connector inputs based on connector properties
(attributes)
Select Properties from
the secondary ribbon.
Select connectors.
Connector input values can
be entered in one of the following ways:
As a continuous range of values, where the
lower and upper bounds are specified as a
percentage plus or minus its nominal value.
As a continuous range of values, where the
lower and upper bounds are specified.
As a list of discrete values.
In the microdialog,
Select the attribute(s) of the connector to
become input variables.
Select how you would like to define the input
values, then either specify the lower and upper
bounds or specify a list of valid discrete
values.
Click Create.
Create connector input based on connector
controls
Select Controls from the
secondary ribbon.
Select connectors whose connector controls are
to become design variables.
Activate the Connector
Controls selector on the guide bar then select the connector
controls from the Advanced Selection dialog,
On the guide bar, click
.
Note: Using connectors as inputs requires connectors to be unrealized and
re-realized each run in the exploration. In larger models, with many
connector inputs, this can be time consuming when using mesh-dependent
connectors.