Optimizable Element Types

In general, SIMULIA Tosca Structure allows all element types listed in the table below in the optimization area. However, there are exceptions: For supported element types in shape sensitivity optimizations, see Supported Elements Attached to Shape Sensitivity Design Nodes using SENS_CALC_MODE = TOSCA.. Details concerning specific element definitions for the several solvers are listed in Solver Specific Features. Some design responses are not allowed for all element types. This can be found in the corresponding paragraphs of Terms for Optimization.


SIMULIA Tosca Structure Element Type	Topological Description
PLANE_QUAD_4	Four-node 2D plate element
PLANE_QUAD_8	Eight-node 2D plate element
PLANE_TRIANG_3	Three-node 2D plate element
PLANE_TRIANG_6	Six-node 2D plate element
SHELL_QUAD_4	Four-node 3D shell element
SHELL_QUAD_8	Eight-node 3D shell element
SHELL_TRIANG_3	Three-node 3D shell element
SHELL_TRIANG_6	Six-node 3D shell element
SOLID_BRICK_8	Eight-node 3D solid element
SOLID_BRICK_20	Twenty-node 3D solid element
SOLID_TETRA_4	Four-node 3D solid element
SOLID_TETRA_10	Ten-node 3D solid element
SOLID_PYRAM_5	Five-node 3D solid element
SOLID_PYRAM_13	Thirteen-node 3D solid element
SOLID_PENTA_6	Six-node 3D solid element
SOLID_PENTA_15	Fifteen-node 3D solid element

The following figure shows the optimizable element types. Those which are marked with a * are only supported for controller-based optimization.