Update of Optimization Displacement Vectors (VECTOR)

It is described how to influence the update of the optimization directions.

An optimization displacement vector is determined by the optimization algorithm for every design node. This vector graphically corresponds to the outer surface unit normal of the nodes and indicates the optimization displacement direction. Restrictions influencing the direction (DVCON_BEAD with CHECK_DOF and CHECK_BC) are included when calculating the optimization displacement vectors.

The VECTOR parameter enables the user to specify the design cycle that determines the optimization displacement vectors:

OPT_PARAM
 ...
 VECTOR = FIRST
 ...
END_
Important:

The optimization displacement direction of the start model is used in bead optimization. As bead designed sheet metal structures are manufactured by a deep drawing process, generated undercuts would lead to a nonmanufacturable design. This might be avoided by updating the optimization displacement direction with each iteration (VECTOR = EVER).