Furthermore, engineers can combine behavior constraints from different types of analyses in multidisciplinary shape optimization. For example, designers can perform thermal analysis and use the generated temperature profiles in stress analysis. Then they can specify a desired range for the fundamental frequency. In the past, the complexity of interactive calculations and multiple iterations made product optimization a time-consuming process. Software packages that take advantage of improvements in processing speed and data sharing can significantly reduce the time required to conduct design optimization, even with significant variables and parameter constraints.
Shape optimization requires, among other things, highly accurate stress values.
If the analysis program is not calculating accurate stresses where a part might break, then no matter how good the program tells you the design is, the part might fail. Improved analysis tools, such as user-defined transitional meshing, provide the high level of accuracy needed for shape optimization. The integrated nature of these tools allows engineers to examine multiple variable effects and measure the impact of design changes quickly and efficiently, to provide more accurate design evaluations for variations that stay within design intent. There are a number of immediate cost-related benefits connected with the use of optimization software packages. First, the ability to assess and analyze various design iterations under a variety of conditions removes the need for multiple, and often expensive, prototyping and machining.