How Do I Complete a Parametric Optimization in SOLIDWORKS Simulation?

How do I complete a Parametric Optimization study in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional? Every study in SOLIDWORKS Simulation follows the same six general steps. You can read more about these steps here: Six Steps To Your Simulation Study.

Effort and time go into making a model parametric. From dimensions, to relationships, to in-context references, our models are built so they update properly when changes are made. Why not leverage that parametric data with SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional?

SOLIDWORKS Simulation’s parametric optimization starts with a reference study, or studies. These studies provide data to the Optimization Design Study such as Stress, Displacement, Strain, Factor of Safety and more. The base study should be setup and solved to verify there are no issues.

With the base study set up and solved we can start a Design Study.

The first inputs to a design study are the Parameters. Parameters are what vary. These can be model dimensions, loads, material, etc. In this case the thickness and radius of the cast arm will vary.

Constraints guide the optimization. These are linked to sensors. In this case stress, displacement, and mass sensors are added. Sensors are accessed by RMB on the sensors folder in the feature manager tree or by adding a constraint in the Design study.

The objective is to keep the stress below 25000 PSI, and overall Displacement under 0.01”

Goals are based on sensors as well. Goals define the desired result of the optimization study. In this case we want to minimize mass.

Editing the Design Study properties gives access to the studies options. Design Study options allow for High Quality (every option is iteration is solved), and fast results where an interpolation is calculated between iterations.

As the design study solves the geometry updates to the design parameters. Each iteration solves and indicates if it is a viable option or not.

Iterations failing to meet the design requirements appear as a red column.

Iterations that meet the constraints are shown in a gray column.

The optimal result is highlighted in green.

Switching between possible options is easy. Just select the iteration header.

Displaying results for each iteration is simple. Select on the desired plot in the results folder.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation’s parametric optimization takes the guess work out of finding the right design.

This blog has an accompanying video under the same title. Check out the Computer Aided Technology video page for more information and subscribe.

Robert Warren
Simulation Specialist, Elite Application Engineer
Computer Aided Technology, Inc.