Configure Tosca optimization. Use when user mentions design response, objective function, optimization constraint, or SIMP penalty. Base module for topology/shape optimization.
This skill configures optimization tasks in Abaqus. It's the base module - for complete workflows, route to /abaqus-topology-optimization or /abaqus-shape-optimization.
Route here when user mentions:
Route elsewhere:
/abaqus-topology-optimization/abaqus-shape-optimization/abaqus-jobBefore optimization setup:
Ask if unclear:
| User Wants | Objective | Constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Lightest structure that's stiff enough | Minimize volume | Compliance ≤ limit |
| Stiffest structure at given weight | Minimize compliance | Volume ≤ 30% |
| Avoid resonance | Maximize frequency | Volume ≤ target |
| Reduce peak stress | Minimize max stress | Volume ≤ target |
Most common: Minimize compliance with volume ≤ 30%
Design responses are the quantities optimization tracks:
| Response | When to Use |
|---|---|
VOLUME | Almost always (for volume constraint) |
STRAIN_ENERGY | Stiffness optimization |
EIGENFREQUENCY | Vibration/resonance |
STRESS | Stress-constrained design |
DISPLACEMENT | Deflection limit |
The objective is what gets optimized:
MINIMIZE_MAXIMUM - For compliance, stressMAXIMIZE_MINIMUM - For frequencyConstraints limit the design space:
RELATIVE_LESS_THAN_EQUAL - Percentage (volume ≤ 30%)ABSOLUTE_LESS_THAN_EQUAL - Fixed value (stress ≤ 200 MPa)| Constraint | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Min member size | Prevents thin, unmanufacturable features (3-5mm typical) |
| Symmetry | Mirrors design about plane |
| Draw direction | Enables mold/casting extraction |
| Overhang angle | For additive manufacturing |
Always freeze:
| Parameter | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SIMP penalty | 3.0 | Higher = sharper boundaries |
| Volume fraction | 0.3-0.4 | Start conservative |
| Min member size | 3× mesh size | Prevents checkerboard |
| Design cycles | 30-50 | More for complex geometry |
After setup, verify:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Checkerboard pattern | No min member size | Add GeometricRestriction |
| Disconnected result | Load path broken | Freeze more regions |
| Not converging | Constraint too tight | Relax volume fraction |
| "License error" | No Tosca module | Requires full Abaqus |
For actual API syntax and code examples, see: