Program Sequence and Data Flow of Tosca Structure

The program sequence of an optimization is the same independent of how Tosca Structure is started. You can either use Tosca Structure.gui or start Tosca Structure even in batch modus on the command line.

This page discusses:

In order for the program to work, it is essential that the correct path specification is entered during installation. The start-up of Tosca Structure starts a process to check out and handle the necessary licenses and load the configuration information. This process starts the main control program. This program is responsible for controlling the complete data flow and calling the individual modules and programs.

The flow of optimization process is the same for all solver interfaces, only the solver-specific data and file formats are different. The detailed optimization process with Tosca Structure and the corresponding data flow are pictured in the following figure:

Preprocessing

  • FEM_INCLUDE

    This module parses the FEM_INCLUDE command of a parameter file and generates a list of all files that are needed for the optimization. These files are copied from the Input directory to the working directory.

  • FEM_2_ONF

    Converts all solver-specific model files into ONF format for later processing.

  • TOSCA_PREP

    Sets up the initial optimization environment.

Optimization

  • FEM_MODIF

    Applies modifications to the initial design and generates a new model in solver-specific format

  • FeSolver

    Generates all necessary design responses and sensitivities. Note that this might mean more than one call to the actual FEM solver.

  • RES_2_VTM

    Saves the results into the optimization database

  • LifeSolver

    Similar to FeSolver, but for optimizations involving durability analysis.

  • LIFE_2_VTM

    Same as RES_2_VTM but for damage results and sensitivities.

  • TOSCA_OPT

    Calculates a new set of design modifications if the optimization targets are not reached by the current design.

Post-Processing

  • REPORT

    Generates a .vtfx report of the optimization.

  • SMOOTH

    Generates a smoothed surface representation of the optimized design.

  • ONF_2_SIM

    Generates a .sim report of the optimization.