Objective Function

To define the objective function, the <OBJ_FUNC> command is used. Within the <OBJ_FUNC> command, all design responses must be referenced that are to be regarded during the optimization. By referencing a design response in the objective function, the associated flow path is regarded in the topology optimization.

<OBJ_FUNC>
  <ID_NAME>MyObjective</ID_NAME>
  <DRESP>MyDresp</DRESP>
  <TARGET>MIN</TARGET>
</OBJ_FUNC>

In this example, a single design response MyDresp is referenced. Besides references to design responses, the target for the optimization algorithm must be specified. A minimization target is available:

Objective: Minimize the design response, that is minimize the backflow intensity.

If multiple design responses are to be referenced, that is when more than one flow path must be regarded, the <OPERATOR> command item must be used to combine them:

<OBJ_FUNC>
  <ID_NAME>MyObjective</ID_NAME>
  <OPERATOR>MyOperator</OPERATOR>
  <TARGET>MIN</TARGET>
</OBJ_FUNC>

<OPERATOR>
  <ID_NAME>MyOperator</ID_NAME>
  <DRESP>MyDresp_1</DRESP>
  <DRESP>MyDresp_2</DRESP>
</OPERATOR>