2023
This manual provides detailed information regarding the features, functionality, and simulation methods available in OptiStruct.
The Analysis Techniques section provides an overview of the following:
View new features for OptiStruct 2023.
OptiStruct is a proven, modern structural solver with comprehensive, accurate and scalable solutions for linear and nonlinear analyses across statics and dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, heat transfer, and multiphysics disciplines.
Discover OptiStruct functionality with interactive tutorials.
The execution of OptiStruct is described here.
Elements are a fundamental part of any finite element analysis, since they completely represent (to an acceptable approximation), the geometry and variation in displacement based on the deformation of the structure.
The different material types provided by OptiStruct are: isotropic, orthotropic, and anisotropic materials. The material property definition cards are used to define the properties for each of the materials used in a structural model.
High Performance Computing leverages computing power, in standalone or cluster form, with highly efficient software, message passing interfaces, memory handling capabilities to allow solutions to improve scalability and minimize run times.
OptiStruct includes a variety of in-house and third-party solvers for applications in different engineering and technology fields.
Contact is an integral aspect of the analysis and optimization techniques that is utilized to understand, model, predict, and optimize the behavior of physical structures and processes.
The Structural Analysis section provides an overview of the following analyses.
The Thermal Analysis section provides an overview of the following analyses.
An electrical analysis involves calculation of electric potential in structures subject to electrical loads.
The Acoustic Analysis section provides an overview of the following analyses.
OptiStruct and AcuSolve are fully-integrated to perform a Direct Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction (DC-FSI) Analysis based on a partitioned staggered approach.
Fatigue Analysis is intended for solutions to structures in a large number of loading cycles.
Aeroelastic Analysis is the study of the deflection of flexible aircraft structures under aerodynamic loads, wherein the deformation of aircraft structures in turn affect the airflow.
A multibody system is defined to be an assembly of sub-systems (bodies, components, or sub-structures).
Rotor Dynamics is the analysis of structures containing rotating components.
Piezoelectric materials are a class of materials in which structural deformation triggers electrical potential and vice versa.
The NVH Applications and Techniques section provides an overview of the following:
OptiStruct provides industry-leading capabilities and solutions for Powertrain applications. This section aims to highlight OptiStruct features for various applications in the Powertrain industry. Each section consists of a short introduction, followed by the typical Objectives in the field for the corresponding analysis type.
This section provides an overview of the capabilities of OptiStruct for the electronics industry. Example problems pertaining to the electronics industry are covered and common solution sequences (analysis techniques) are demonstrated.
Provides an overview of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for aerospace applications using OptiStruct.
The Parts and Instances functionality can be used to combine independently created substructures (or, parts) into a single model.
Subcase specific modeling allows analyzing multiple structures in a single solver run.
Global-local analysis is a technique in which a full model is solved using two (or more) submodels; one submodel represents the full structure but at a lower accuracy (for example, a larger mesh size) and the second submodel represents only a part of the structure (for example, using a smaller mesh size).
Superelement or DMIG (Direct Matrix Input) approach is a known industry standard to efficiently reduce out the user-defined components to the specified interface grids and this method helps improve the performance of finite element analysis when used properly.
The Direct Matrix Input (Superelements) section provides an overview of the following:
Poroelastic materials can be used to model coupled fluid-structure systems where the fluid exists within the interstitial spaces of a porous solid.
Preloaded or Prestressed Linear Analysis is any type of structural linear analysis performed on a structure under prior loading (also termed preloading or prestressing).
Many engineering assemblies are put together using bolts, which are usually pretensioned before application of working loads.
Imperfection is used in large displacement nonlinear static analysis, for example, to solve post-buckling problems combined with the arc-length method, among other techniques.
Cohesive zone modeling can be used to model adhesive and bonded interfaces and corresponding crack initiation and propagation.
Symbolic substitution provides flexibility to modify the input file to use parameterized input to define various data fields across the model.
Cyclic symmetry is a type of symmetry in which a representative (or basic) segment, if patterned circularly about an axis of symmetry would result in the full model.
The thickness mapping feature allows the user to map the thickness data from an external forming result file to the corresponding model in OptiStruct.
The following boundary conditions are outlined here.
OptiStruct generates output depending on various default settings and options. Additionally, the output variables are available in a variety of output formats, ranging from ASCII (for example, PCH) to binary files (for example, H3D).
How to create output from OptiStruct for third party programs.
This section provides an overview of the following optimization types.
A semi-automated design interpretation software, facilitating the recovery of a modified geometry resulting from a structural optimization, for further use in the design process and FEA reanalysis.
Guides in identifying and solving commonly encountered errors during the OptiStruct run.
This section is comprised of error messages in ascending numerical order.
This section is comprised of warning messages in ascending numerical order.
This manual provides a detailed list and usage information regarding input entries, output entries, and parameters available in OptiStruct.
The OptiStruct Example Guide is a collection of solved examples for various solution sequences and optimization types and provides you with examples of the real-world applications and capabilities of OptiStruct.
This manual presents solved verification models including NAFEMS problems.
This section provides quick responses to typical and frequently asked questions regarding OptiStruct.
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