Design Explorer

Connectors as design variables and responses

Connector attributes can now be used as design variables and as a response. Design variables can be created directly from connector attributes such as pitch, tolerance, or diameter. In addition, a connector’s connector control can become a design variable, allowing different controls to be used for a given connector within an exploration. Finally, a new connector response, the total number of connectors, has been provided. This response can be used as an optimization objective to minimize the number of connectors used.

Results compare contour

A new comparison contour has been added to the Results Explorer. You can select and compare any two runs in an exploration. The comparison plots the difference in design variables as a bar chart and also contours the changes onto the model graphics, allowing for easy visualization of the design variable changes.

Machine learning enhancements

Clustering

A new AI report has been added to the Scatter Plot tool in the Results Explorer. You can now automatically group exploration results into clusters, classifying based on different criteria. This can be useful in cases where you want to view or choose designs based on a certain classification, such as deformation mode.

Field prediction performance

Field Prediction performance has been improved so predicted results update more quickly.

Machine learning reports on demand

AI Reports can now be run on demand. Once an exploration has been completed, the Field Prediction and Clustering reports can be run, even if they were not originally selected when the exploration was originally run.

Multi-objective optimization

Optimization explorations are no longer limited to a single objective. Multiple objectives may now be enabled for an optimization. In addition, an Optima option has been added to scatter plots in the Results Explorer to allow for easier viewing of the optimal runs and the resulting Pareto front.

Additional solver support

The Design Explorer is now supported in LS-DYNA and Abaqus solver profiles. Note that to use the Design Explorer with Abaqus requires additional configuration. Please contact your Altair account representative for more information.

Nominal Run shown in exploration summary tables

The nominal or baseline run is now shown for reference in exploration summary tables. Nominal run results can be easily accessed and viewed, and the nominal run values are available for comparison to other exploration runs.