Design Variable
Description: Defines a design variable for design optimization.
Format:

Example:

Field | Definition | Type | Default |
---|---|---|---|
ID | Design variable identification number. | Integer > 0 | Required |
LABEL | Label associated with design region used for output headings. | Character | |
PTYPE | Property type. Used with PID to identify the elements to be designed, one of the following character variables: PSOLID, PSHELL, or PCOMP. | Character | Required |
XINIT | Initial value for design variable. | XLB ≤ XINIT ≤ XUB | See Remark 1 |
XLB | Lower bound for design variable. | Real > 0.0 | Required |
XUB | Upper bound for design variable. | Real > 0.0 | Required |
REGION | Design region identification number. | Integer > 0 | Required |
DVTYPE | Design variable type, one of the following character variables: SHLTHK | Character | See Remark 2 |
DDVAL | DDVAL entry identification number that provides a set of allowable discrete values. | Integer > 0 or blank | See Remark 3 |
Remarks:
- If XINIT is blank and OPTION is set to SHLTHK the thickness of the PSHELL referenced in REGION will be used.
- Currently only variable shell thickness is supported.
- If the design variable is to be discrete (Integer > 0 in DDVAL field), and if either of the XLB and/orXUB bounds are not specified or wider than those given by the discrete list of values on the corresponding DDVAL entry, XLB and/or XUB will be replaced by the minimum and maximum discrete values . The default of blank results in continuous design variables.