Prerequisites

To complete this example successfully, you must have access to the required apps and sample files and to sufficient computing resources. In addition, you need a basic understanding of the features and concepts introduced in the example. A list of related guides and resources describes where you can find additional information about the apps and tools used to solve the example.

This page discusses:

Apps

Your 3DEXPERIENCE platform roles must provide access to the following apps:

  • Material Definition
  • Optimization Process Composer
  • Part Design
  • Performance Study
  • Physics Results Explorer
  • Results Analytics
  • Structural Model Creation
  • Structural Scenario Creation

Note: This example illustrates the use of Structural Scenario Creation; however, the example can also be completed using Mechanical Scenario Creation.

Release

This example was developed on the R2019x version of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and is expected to be compatible with later releases.

Solve Time

This example runs four consecutive physics simulations, which take approximately 2 minutes to complete on a typical desktop with four CPUs and 16 GB RAM.

Background

You should be familiar with finite element techniques for structural mechanics as well as the concept of using a Design of Experiments to explore the design space.

Design of Experiments

Design of Experiments (DOE) is a statistical tool that allows you to understand the behavior of a model under varying conditions, also referred to as exploring the design space. A DOE is an efficient study of how varying the value of a set of input parameters affects the value of a set of output parameters.

Performing a DOE allows you to:

  • Assess the impact of input parameters on output parameters.
  • Identify significant parameter interactions.
  • Analyze a design space and provide a rough estimate of an optimal design (which can then be used as a starting point for numeric optimization).
  • Create a data set that can be used to generate approximation models of the design space.

In an ideal world, you would have the freedom to vary the value of the input parameters infinitely and study the response of the model under any possible combination of conditions. However, limited computational resources restrict the number of combinations you can study. A DOE is designed to minimize the number of combinations that are required while still providing a clear picture of the behavior of the model.

Knowledgeware Parameters

Apps on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform use Knowledgeware parameters to pass data between different apps. In this example, you declare the beam dimensions to be Knowledgeware parameters so that the DOE can modify the length and cross-section of the beam.

Finding the Best Design
You end the example by using a decision-support tool to select the best design based on specified objectives. Do you want the lightest beam or the strongest beam or is the best design a compromise between the competing objectives?

Related Guides and Resources

Guide Description
3DEXPERIENCE Platform Describes the key concepts and capabilities of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, such as the Compass, 6WTags, 3DSearch, and 3DNotification.
3DEXPERIENCE Native Apps Describes the user interface and tools common to all native apps. This guide complements 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.
Simulation | Multidiscipline and Multiscale | Material Definition Describes how to define materials, apply materials to objects, and explore materials and material domains.
Simulation | Structures | Mechanical Scenario Creation Describes how to define and run linear and nonlinear structural simulations, including explicit dynamic analyses.
Simulation | Multidiscipline and Multiscale | Mesh Creation Describes how to discretize model geometry into the finite elements required to compute simulation results.
Simulation | Simulation Process Automation | Performance Study Describes how to use the classic web app to run a simulation process and to create and run a new simulation process from a template.
Simulation | Multidiscipline and Multiscale | Physics Results Explorer Describes how to perform detailed simulation results visualization for models of all sizes using a wide selection of tools.
Simulation | Multidiscipline and Multiscale | Physics Simulation Fundamentals Describes the interactions, tools, and behaviors common to most physics simulation apps.
Simulation | Design Exploration and Optimization | Optimization Process Composer Describes how to build a process that automates your simulations, optimizes your designs, and manages your data.
Simulation | Design Exploration and Optimization | Results Analytics Describes how to use advanced analytics and visualization to help you select the best option among competing objectives.
Simulation | Structures | Structural Model Creation Describes how to define a structural simulation model.
Simulation | Structures | Structural Scenario Creation Describes how to define and run linear and nonlinear structural simulations, excluding explicit dynamic analyses.

If you have a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, you can find additional assistance as follows:

  • The Program Directory includes the latest information about new features and known issues.
  • The Knowledge Base provides question-and-answer articles for a wide range of content. You can search the Knowledge Base for information relevant to your app.

Information about working with simulations and processes is also available in the 3DEXPERIENCE section of the SIMULIA Community. The SIMULIA Community is the place to find the latest resources for SIMULIA software and to collaborate with other users.