Configuring durability options

Typically, you use shape optimization to modify the surface geometry of a component to minimize stress concentrations. In most cases reducing the stress levels leads to a significant increase in durability. However, it is possible that the regions of peak stress identified by a static analysis differ from the regions of maximum damage identified from a durability (or damage) analysis and using shape optimization alone to modify the surface geometry might decrease the durability. To avoid this situation, you can incorporate a durability solver in the optimization loop to ensure that you are both reducing stress levels and increasing durability.

Context:

To include durability in your optimization, you must enable durability analysis in the optimization task editor and configure the selected durability solver. In addition, you must create a damage design response that will be used as an objective. The objective must attempt to minimize the maximum damage in the critical areas.

  1. In the optimization task editor, click the Durability tab.
  2. Select Optimize based on durability analysis.
  3. From the Durability solver options, select one of the following:
    OptionDescription

    fe-safe

    Uses the fe-safe durability solver.

    FEMFAT

    Uses the FEMFAT durability solver.

    Custom

    Allows you to use a Tosca Structure optimization neutral file generated by a durability analysis (ONF 600 or ONF 601).

    Contact your SIMULIA support office for more information about the format of this file.
  4. Select the durability input files that will be read by the durability solver. The durability input files must be located in the working directory.
  5. Enter the name of any additional files in the working directory that will be read by the durability solver. If a file is stored outside the working directory, you must provide the path to the file along with the name of the file.