Hyper Study Introduction

A Platform for Innovation TM
HyperStudy Introduction
DOE, Approximation, Optimization and Stochastic
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® ® ® ®
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® ® ® ®
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® ®
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Table of Contents
HyperStudy Introduction
DOE, Approximation, Optimization and Stochastic
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................... II
Chapter 1: Introduction to HyperStudy .................................................................. 1

1 – HyperWorks Overview ................................................................................................ 1
1.1 – HyperWorks Tool Descriptions................................................................................. 2
1.2 – HyperStudy Integration with HyperWorks ................................................................ 4
1.3 – Class Objectives ...................................................................................................... 5
2 – Introduction to HyperStudy.......................................................................................... 6
2.1 – HyperStudy Benefits ................................................................................................ 6
2.2 – HyperStudy Process ................................................................................................ 7
3 – DOE Study .................................................................................................................. 8
4 – Approximations ........................................................................................................... 9
5 – Optimization Study .................................................................................................... 10
6 – Stochastic Study ....................................................................................................... 11
7 – Evaluation and Rating ............................................................................................... 12
8 – Configuration Tools ................................................................................................... 13
8.1 – Preference File....................................................................................................... 13
8.2 – Old Editor ............................................................................................................... 13
8.3 – New Editor.............................................................................................................. 14
8.4 – Job Management ................................................................................................... 14
8.5 – Solver Script........................................................................................................... 15
9 – Parametrization of a FEA model ............................................................................... 16
9.1 – HyperStudy/HM-MV-HF link................................................................................... 17
Exercise 1.1: Create Design Variables through HyperMesh........................................... 18
HyperWorks 10.0 II
Proprietary Information of Altair Engineering, Inc.
9.2 – Parametrization using Create Template GUI ......................................................... 23
9.2.1 – What is Templex? ............................................................................................... 23
9.2.2 – Important Templex Rules .................................................................................... 23
9.2.3 – Templex File Description..................................................................................... 24
Exercise 1.2: Create Design Variables using the Create Template GUI......................... 26
10 – HyperStudy Integration ........................................................................................... 32
10.1 – List of Direct Solvers & Results Access ............................................................... 32
10.2 – Interfacing with Solvers ........................................................................................ 33
10.3 – Integration with Excel ........................................................................................... 34
11 – HyperStudy/HyperMorph Coupling ......................................................................... 35
11.1 – Shape Variable Generation using HyperMorph ................................................... 36
11.1.1 – Exporting Shape Variables................................................................................ 37
Chapter 2: Design of Experiments (DOE)............................................................. 39

1 – Introduction ............................................................................................................... 39
2 – DOE Concepts and Definitions ................................................................................. 40
3 – DOE Study Types ..................................................................................................... 42
4 – DOE Study Types - Applications............................................................................... 46
4.1 – DOE for Screening ................................................................................................. 46
4.2 – DOE for Factorial Studies ...................................................................................... 46
4.3 – DOE for Response Surface (RSM) Evaluation ...................................................... 46
5 – Typical DOE Assessment Procedure........................................................................ 47
6 – DOE Process ............................................................................................................ 47
Exercise 2.1: DOE Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS .............................................. 48
Exercise 2.2: DOE Study of a Cantilever Beam using Templex ..................................... 58
Exercise 2.3: DOE Study Using MotionView and MotionSolve....................................... 71
III HyperWorks 10.0

Chapter 3: Approximation ..................................................................................... 81
1– Introduction ................................................................................................................ 81
1.1 – Why Perform Approximation Study? ...................................................................... 81
1.2 – Least Square Regression....................................................................................... 82
1.3 – Moving Least Squares ........................................................................................... 83
1.4 – HyperKriging .......................................................................................................... 84
Exercise 3.1: Approximation Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS ............................... 85
Exercise 3.2: Least Square Approximation ..................................................................... 89
Chapter 4: Structural Optimization ....................................................................... 97

1 – Optimization Problem Statement .............................................................................. 97
1.1 – Optimization Definitions ......................................................................................... 98
2 – Optimization Methods ............................................................................................... 99
2.1 – (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method........................................................ 99
2.2 – (SQP) Sequential Quadratic programming .......................................................... 101
2.3 – (MFD) Method of Feasible Directions .................................................................. 102
2.4 – (GA) Genetic Algorithm ........................................................................................ 103
2.5 – (SORA) Sequential Optimization and Reliability Analysis.................................... 104
2.6 – (SORA-ARSM) – ARSM based SORA................................................................. 106
2.7 – User Defined – Xopt............................................................................................. 106
3 – Optimization Problem Example............................................................................... 107
4 - HyperStudy Optimization Case Studies................................................................... 108
4.1 - Case Study 1: Rail Optimization ........................................................................... 108
4.2 - Case Study 2: Roof Crush .................................................................................... 110
4.3 - Case Study 3: Airbag ............................................................................................ 111
4.4 - Case Study 4: Knee Bolster Design...................................................................... 113
4.5 - Case Study 5: Exhaust System Design ................................................................ 115
4.6 - Case Study 6: Notch Design................................................................................. 117
5 – General Discussion ................................................................................................ 121
HyperWorks 10.0 IV
Exercise 4.1: Shape and Size Optimization of a Rail Joint ........................................... 122
Exercise 4.2: Size Optimization Study using RADIOSS ............................................... 126
Exercise 4.3: Optimization Study Using an Excel Spreadsheet.................................... 133
Exercise 4.4: Shape Optimization Study using HyperForm .......................................... 141
Exercise 4.5: Shape Optimization Study using ABAQUS ............................................. 151
Chapter 5: Stochastic Studies ............................................................................ 163

1 – Introduction ............................................................................................................. 163
2 – Random Variables................................................................................................... 163
2.1 – Example of Random Variables (Uncertainty source) ........................................... 164
3 – Statistics and Probability ......................................................................................... 165
3.1 – Probability Density Function................................................................................. 165
3.1.1 – Normal Distribution............................................................................................ 165
3.1.2 – Uniform Distribution........................................................................................... 165
3.1.3 – Triangular Distribution ....................................................................................... 165
3.1.4 – Exponential Distribution .................................................................................... 165
3.1.5 – Weibull Distribution ........................................................................................... 165
3.2 – Cumulative Distribution Function ......................................................................... 169
3.2.1 – Histogram.......................................................................................................... 169
4 – Sampling ................................................................................................................. 169
4.1 – Simple Random Sampling.................................................................................... 169
4.1.1 – Latin HyperCube Sampling ............................................................................... 169
4.1.2 – Hammersley Sampling ...................................................................................... 170
4.2 – Correlation............................................................................................................ 170
4.3 – Interpreting Post-processed Data ........................................................................ 169
4.3.1 – Ant-Hill Plots...................................................................................................... 169
4.3.2 – Histogram, PDF, and CDF ................................................................................ 171
4.3.3 – Statistical Summary .......................................................................................... 172
5 – Robust Design – Stochastic Study.......................................................................... 174
V HyperWorks 10.0
5.1 - Robustness Definition ........................................................................................... 175
5.2 – Deterministic Optimization Approach ................................................................... 176
5.3 – Robustness Optimization Approach..................................................................... 176
Exercise 5.1: Stochastic Study of a Rail Joint............................................................... 178
Exercise 5.2: Stochastic Study of a Plate Model........................................................... 186
Appendix A: Comparison of DOE and Optimization using HyperStudy.......... 183
Appendix B: Solver Scripts ................................................................................. 195
Appendix C: Templex........................................................................................... 199
HyperWorks 10.0 VI
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1
Introduction
1- HyperWorks Overview
HyperWorks®, A Platform for Innovation™, is an enterprise simulation solution for rapid
design exploration and decision-making. As one of the most comprehensive CAE solutions in
the industry, HyperWorks provides a tightly integrated suite of best-in-class tools for:
o Modeling
o Analysis
o Optimization
o Visualization
o Reporting
o Performance data management.
Based on a revolutionary “pay-for-use” token-based business model, HyperWorks
delivers increased value and flexibility over other software licensing models.
Altair vision
HyperWorks 10.0 HyperStudy Introduction 1

Optimization with Altair HyperWorks
Below we list the applications that are part of HyperWorks, for extra information about
them go to www.altairhyperworks.com web page or go to HyperWorks online documentation.
1.1 – HyperWorks Tool Descriptions

Finite Element Meshing and Modeling
HyperMesh Universal finite element pre- and post-processor

HyperCrash Finite element pre-processor for automotive crash and
safety analysis
BatchMesher Geometry cleanup and auto-meshing in batch mode for
given CAD files
Multi-body Dynamics Modeling
MotionView Multi-body dynamics pre- and post-processor
Solvers
RADIOSS Finite element solver for linear and non-linear problems
MotionSolve Multi-body dynamics solver
OptiStruct Design and optimization software using finite elements and
multi-body dynamics
Post-processing and Data Analysis

HyperView High performance finite element and mechanical system
post-processor, engineering plotter, and data analysis tool
HyperGraph Engineering plotter and data analysis tool
HyperStudy Introduction 2 HyperWorks 10.0

HyperGraph 3D Engineering 3-D plotter and data analysis tool

HyperView Player Viewer for visualizing 3-D CAE results via the Internet or
desktop
Study and Optimization

HyperStudy Integrated optimization, DOE, and robustness engine
Data Management and Process Automation

Altair Data Manager A solution that organizes, manages, and stores CAE and
test data throughout the product design cycle
Process Manager Process automation tool for HyperWorks and third party
software; Processes can be created with the help of
Process Studio.
Assembler A tool that enables CAE analysts to manage, organize,
and control their CAE mesh data
Manufacturing Environments
Manufacturing Solutions A unified environment for manufacturing process
simulation, analysis, and design optimization
HyperForm A unique finite element based sheet metal forming
simulation software solution
HyperXtrude An hp-adaptive finite element program that enables
engineers to analyze material flow and heat transfer
problems in extrusion and rolling applications
Molding Provides a highly efficient and customized environment for
setting up models for injection molding simulation with
Moldflow
Forging Provides a highly efficient and customized environment for
setting up models for complex three-dimensional forging
simulation with DEFOM3D
Friction Stir Welding Provides an efficient interface for setting up models and
analyzing friction stir welding with the HyperXtrude Solver
HyperWorks Results Mapper Process Manager-based tool that provides a framework to
initialize a structural model with results from a forming
simulation

1.2 – HyperStudy Integration with HyperWorks

HyperStudy is well integrated with HyperWorks through direct access to the HyperMesh,
Manufacturing Solutions, and MotionView databases. HyperMorph is integrated for shape
parameterization. The power of Templex is available to set-up study problems with complex
mathematics as the example described below.
HyperStudy Overview
The pre-processing for HyperStudy is made using HyperMesh or a templex editor and
the post-processing using HyperView and HyperGraph. HyperStudy is tightly integrated with
all HyperWorks solvers and can be integrated easily with any other solver.
During the next exercises the HyperWorks integration with HyperStudy will be showed
in detail, and for more about it the user should go to our online documentation.

1.3 – Class objectives

At the end of this class you will be able to:
o Set up DOE, Optimization, and Stochastic studies using HyperStudy.
o Use the Create Template GUI to parameterize input files for DOE, Optimization,
and Stochastic studies.
o Set up shape optimization problems using HyperMorph within
HyperMesh/HyperForm.
o Post-process and interpret DOE, Optimization, and Stochastic results using
HyperStudy.

2 – Introduction to HyperStudy
Altair HyperStudy is a generic parametric study and a multi-disciplinary optimization tool
for robust product design.
The design of the tool as a wizard makes it very easy to learn and use. It is applicable to
study the different aspects of a design under various conditions, including non-linear behaviors
and multi-physics environments. It can be applied in the multi-disciplinary optimization of a
design combining different analysis types.
The models can be parameterized very easily. Besides the typical definition of solver
input data as design variables, the shape of a finite element model can also be parameterized
with ease.
HyperStudy Post-Processing module contains display, analysis and data mining
capabilities that helps engineers to overcome the challenging task of extracting relevant
information from multi-run studies. With its unique and powerful suite of tools, simulation results
can be analyzed, sorted and studied effectively in HyperStudy.
Specifically developed for design of experiments (DOE), stochastic simulations, and
optimization techniques, HyperStudy users can:
o Gain insight into the physics of a design
o Assess the robustness of a design for controlled or uncontrolled variations in the
design parameters
o Optimize a design for multi-disciplinary attributes
2.1 – HyperStudy Benefits

1. Provides engineers with an easy way to study effects of design changes for complex
analysis events;
2. Allows engineers to assess the robustness of designs and provides the guidance necessary
to achieve robust designs;
3. Allows engineers to perform multi-disciplinary optimization studies for different attributes of a
design;
4. Allows engineers to perform system identification and correlation studies of designs;
5. Allows engineers to perform validation and evaluation of models and results using the
Evaluation and Rating module;
6. Complements existing CAE software with added functionality and direct interfaces to major
solvers;
7. Minimizes time-to-market by identifying design direction for difficult problems
8. Reads CAE native data files: RADIOSS, MotionSolve, OptiStruct, LS-DYNA, NHTSA ABF,
MADYMO, PAMCRASH, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ADAMS, DADS, and SIMPACK.

2.2 – HyperStudy Process
The general outline of HyperStudy for any study is as shown below:
Flowchart outlining the HyperStudy process
HyperStudy Interface

3 – DOE Study
The objective of a DOE, or Design of Experiments, study is to understand how changes
to the parameters of a model influence its performance. In such a study, a model is repeatedly
run through a simulation for various combinations of parameter settings. Effects and
interactions of the design variables of the model can be studied. Aside from a number of
predefined DOE methods provided by HyperStudy, users have the ability to define custom DOE
studies as well.
DOE Process

4 – Approximations
From a DOE, mathematical models can be computed describing the responses of the
model as an algebraic or numeric function of its parameters. This function is an approximation
of the true response. The algebraic or numeric expression that describes the response of a
model as a function of the parameters is known as a response surface.
Once a set of response surfaces have been generated for a model, those response
surfaces can act as a proxy for the model. New combinations of design variable settings not
used in the original design can be plugged into the response surface equations to quickly
estimate the response of the model without actually running the model through an entire
analysis.
Approximation Description

5 – Optimization Study
Optimization studies are used to find the parameter setting of a model that minimizes or
maximizes a particular objective function subject to a number of constraints. A special form of
optimization problem, called System Identification, can also be solved in an optimization study.
In this case, the objective function is to minimize the quadratic deviation of a given function from
a target function.
A general optimization tool, based on an advanced response surface method, is utilized
in optimization studies. Optimization can be applied to any one or more analysis codes and
hence can be multi-disciplinary. Size and shape optimizations can be performed.
A second predefined optimization method is available beyond the response surface
method. Users can also link their own optimization routine.
The optimization can be performed using the analysis solver directly, or using a
response surface created in a DOE study.
Optimization Process

6 – Stochastic Study
Stochastic studies are used to study the influence of statistical distribution in the design
variables on the responses of a design. Monte Carlo and Quasi-Monte Carlo methods are used
to do this. Different types of sampling methods are available.
The stochastic analysis can be performed using the analysis solver directly, or using a
response surface created in a DOE study.
Stochastic Process

7 – Evaluation and Rating

Evaluation and rating is used to determine the quality of a model and rate it against a
series of references. It includes a matrix approach, a set of methods to analyze and compare
signals, and a graphical display of model ratings.
Adviser Evaluation

8 – Configuration Tools
8.1 – Preference File
How to select the preference file
8.2 – Old Editor
Old Editor

8.3 – New Editor
New Editor
8.4 – Job Management
Job Management panel

8.5 – Solver Script
Solver Script

9 – Parametrization of a FEA model

Direct linking to Hypermesh-MotionView-HyperForm provides HyperStudy direct
access to simulation models and to the features such as thickness, concentrated masses,
shape changes which are used as the design variables in DOE, optimization or stochastic
studies .
When HyperStudy is launched in a standalone mode, the design variables need to be
identified using a common method as HyperStudy interacts with solvers of different physics.
HyperStudy uses TEMPLEX to parameterize the solver input deck. The solver input
deck is taken and “parameter” statements are added, which in turn is linked to the property such
as thickness, concentrated masses. This file with “parameter” statements is called as
“parameterized input deck”. This deck forms the input file for HyperStudy.
Solver Script

9.1 – HyperStudy/HM-MV-HF link
Solver Script

Exercise 1.1: Create Design Variables through HyperMesh

This exercise outlines the procedure for selecting design variables and adding them to a
study. An OptiStruct input file with two PSHELL cards (with identical thickness and three mass
elements) is loaded into HyperMesh. HyperStudy is then launched from HyperMesh and the
design variables are selected in HyperStudy. The file for this exercise is located at the training
directory.
This exercise uses the model file, sshield.fem.
SSHIELD FEA model
Model Information
o 1 DVs
design.T.1 { X0 = 0.3, XL = 0.27, XU = 0.33}
Problem Setup
Copy the file sshield.fem to your working directory.
Since the design variables are interactively updated within HyperMesh, the
application must remain open throughout the study, and the new input file for
the next run is written out from HyperMesh.

Step 1: Load a file into HyperMesh.

1. Launch HyperMesh.
2. Under Application choose the RADIOSS profile and pick BulkData format from the User
Profiles dialog.
User Profiles can also be accessed from the Preferences pull-down menu on the toolbar.
3. Click import icon on standard tool bar.
4. Under File selection, Click on open file icon on the right side of File: and browse to find
the sshield.fem file.
5. Click Open on the open file window.
6. Click Import.
7. Click the Shaded Elements and Mesh Lines icon, , on Visualization toolbar.
8. Click on Model tab to visualize the model tree.
9. Expand the property folder

10. Right click on design > Card Edit…
PSHELL thickness
11. Click return to exit the panel.
Step 2: Create design variables.

1. In the HyperMesh, go to the Applications > HyperStudy.
2. Click Add Study… > New…. Click OK to select the default Label: and Variable:.

Add Study
3. Click the open folder icon under Study directory: and browse to training directory to
define where you want to run this study.
4. Click Next > to load the model.
5. Click Add Model… and make sure the Model type: is HyperMesh.
6. Click OK to accept the default Label: and Variable:.
Model label and variable
7. Make sure the solver is Optistruct_optistruct.

8. Click Next >.
This brings up the Create design variables dialog. The design variables for the study setup
need to be selected here.
9. Click Add Model Parameter….

The Model Parameters window appears.
10. Click the box before Thickness to expand the thickness options.
11. Select design.T.1.
The Variable Name:, Initial Value:, Lower Bound:, and Upper Bound: fields above will be
filled in automatically. Only the upper and lower bounds can be changed at this point.

12. Click Add to select the thickness of the design component as a design variable for the study
to be performed later.
13. Click OK.
Model parameters
The design variables for the study have been selected, now the model is parameterized and
one can perform any type of study (DOE, optimization, or stochastic).

9.2 – Parametrization using Create Template GUI
9.2.1 – What is Templex?

Templex is a general-purpose text and numeric processor. Templex generates output
text based on guidelines defined in a template file.
The input files can be created using any text editor or word processor that can save a file
in ASCII format.
Templex solver can be used to process the template file and the output can be sent to a
monitor, to another file, HyperGraph or to other output streams.
Templex is built into HyperStudy as an expression builder for creating responses for
Objectives and Constraints.
Templex can also be used as a standalone solver on mathematical expressions to
perform Design of Experiments (DOE) / Optimization / Stochastic studies.
9.2.2 – Important Templex Rules

Statements, expressions, and variables must be placed between braces, { }, so that
Templex will evaluate them. Otherwise they are treated as plain text and not processed.
o After Templex processes a parameterized template file, the plain text is copied
to the specified output stream verbatim.
o When Templex encounters an expression within braces, it evaluates the
expression and sends the resulting value to the output stream. If the item
between the braces is a Templex statement, Templex carries out the statement
instructions. If the Templex statement generates output, the resulting value is
sent to the output stream too.
o Variable names can be up to eighty characters long. They consist only of
letters, numbers and underscores; no other characters are allowed. Variable
names must always begin with a letter and are case sensitive.
o In addition to scalars Templex supports one- and two- dimensional arrays. In
HyperStudy to define the responses the results from the analysis runs are
represented as one-dimensional arrays “VECTORS”. The index starts with 0
as in C language.
o The template file must have at least one parameter statement to be able to
read into the HyperStudy.

9.2.3 – Templex File Description

The parameterized input deck is a Templex template, *.tpl, file.
Templex parameter statements are used for individual field changes and shape vector
(DESVAR) nodal perturbations. All parameter statements are placed at the top of the *.tpl file.
The templex parameter function has the following format:
{parameter(varname, label, nominal, minimum, maximum)}
Example:
{parameter(TH1, ”Thickness 1”, 1.6, 0.5, 3.5)}
Field variable statements must be inserted into the analysis deck for each field to be
optimized, such as component thickness, density, etc.
The formats for field variable statements is as follows:
{variable,%field_width.decimal_places}
‘Variable’ is the same as in the corresponding parameter statement.
The ‘field width’ value depends on the solver being used so that the proper spacing is
maintained in the analysis deck. Each solver will have it’s own filed width: LS-DYNA is 10,
OptiStruct is 8, and HyperForm is 8. The ‘decimal_places’ value is a user preference.
Example:
{TH1, %8.5f}
Original LS-DYNA Deck

$HMNAME PROPS 1beam
1 71.0 20.0 0.0 0
1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.0
Parameterized LS-DYNA Deck (.tpl)

$HMNAME PROPS 1beam
1 71.0 20.0 0.0 0
{TH1,%10.5f}{TH1,%10.5f}{TH1,%10.5f}{TH1,%10.5f}0.0
If the design variables in optimization are shape vectors, further editing of the deck is necessary
such as external-file-include statements.

Create template lunch
Create DV interface

Exercise 1.2: Create Design Variables using the Templex Editor

This exercise shows how to create size design variables and how to add them to a study
using the new Templex editor. An OptiStruct input file with three PSHELL cards with identical
thickness will be imported into the GUI. Thickness of all PSHELLs will be selected and assigned
as design variables. The file can be found at the training directory.
Plate FEA model (plate.fem file)
Model Information
o 3 DVs
Th1 { X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.09, XU = 0.11}
Th2 { X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.09, XU = 0.11}
Th3 { X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.09, XU = 0.11}
Problem Setup
Copy the file plate.fem to your working directory.

Step 1: Create a Design Variable

1. Launch HyperStudy.
2. Click Utilities > Editor
Selecting Templex Editor
3. On Editor click on Open icon .

4. Change the type file to RADIOSS Bulk / OptiStruct Files (*.fem *.parm), select plate.fem
and click open.
The file is loaded into the interface.

5. From the pull down menu Design > Format > Design Variable Selection Format.
This will lunch the DV Format window:
6. Fill the values as showed above.
Bounds = initial value ±: 20 It will make the default bounds to the DV to be setup to ±
20% of the initial value.
Selector: 8 this assures that when a property is selected, exactly eight

fields are selected, since OptiStruct assigns 8 space for
every field in the card.
Selector’s decimal: 5 this setup the precision used to represent the DV, on this
case 5 decimals.
Variable name prefix: DV_ it will be used as a default prefix for all new DVs.
7. Click Ok.
8. Click Edit on the menu bar and select Find…
9. Type PSHELL and click Find Next.
10. Click Cancel.
11. Click on 0.1 for the first PSHELL card.
12. Click again while pressing the CTRL keyboard key.
This will highlight eight fields following 0.1.
Highlighted fields (fixed)

13. Click Design on the menu bar and select Create design variable.
14. At the popup window for Name:, enter DV_Th1 and for Label:, enter thick1 and let the
Description with the default value.
15. Change the lower and upper bounds if necessary.
16. Make sure the Format: is %8.5f.
17. Click Ok.
Design Variable Properties
Do the same for the second PSHELL but instead create the DV from the pull-down menu use
the right mouse button to access this popup window.
18. Click on 0.1 on the second PSHELL while pressing CTRL keyboard key then click again on
the field with the right mouse button and select Create Design Variable….

19. At the popup window for Name:, enter DV_Th2 and for Label:, enter thick2 and let the
Description with the default value.
20. Change the lower and upper bounds if necessary.

22. Click Ok.
For the third PSHELL using the right click procedure assign the DV Th2 to this field too.
23. Click on 0.1 on the third PSHELL while pressing CTRL keyboard key,
24. Click again on the field with the right mouse button and select Create Design Variable…
change the Define in to DV_Th02 and click OK.

25. From the pull down menu click on Design > Show templex.
Step 2: Exporting the template file

26. Click File on the menu bar and choose Export As….
27. Name the file plate.
28. Click Save.
29. Click File on the menu bar and choose Quit and OK on the popup window to exit the
Editor.
30. Open plate.tpl in any text editor to observe the parameterizations on the thickness.

10 – HyperStudy Integration
10.1 – List of Direct Solvers & Results Access
Supported Solvers
• ABAQUS
• ADAMS
• ANSYS
• DADS
• LS-DYNA
• MADYMO
• MARC
• NASTRAN
• PAM-CRASH
• RADIOSS
• SIMPACK
HyperWorks Solvers
• OptiStruct
• MotionSolve
• HyperForm
General Result Formats

• MS Excel (.csv file)
• Any XY data
Additional interfaces
• Import Reader Language
• External Readers Programmed in C

10.2 – Interfacing with Solvers

By default, HyperStudy has 6 solvers: RADIOSS, OptiStruct, Templex, HyperXtrude,
MotionSolve and TCL. Additional, solvers may be added through the
Register Solver Script GUI or
Preference file: preferences_study.mvw, located in

<install_dir>/hw/prefinc directory.

10.3 – Integration with Excel

1. On Excel make sure that the Trusted publishers check boxes are enabled under
Tools>Macros>Security.
2. On Excel from the pull-down menu, select Tools>Add-Ins, and make sure the
hw_hst_genpdd.xla add-in is added and enabled. If it is not, browse to
%ALTAIR_HOME%\templates\hst\hw_hst_genpdd.xla to add it.
Defining Design Parameters
Defining Design Responses

11 – HyperStudy/HyperMorph Coupling
Morphing: automatic mesh parameterization
Morphing shapes used as design variables in HyperStudy and OptiStruct.
Mesh based, no CAD data needed
HyperMorph integration with HyperStudy

11.1 – Shape Variable Generation using HyperMorph

Shape design variables necessary for DOE/Optimization/Stochastic studies can be
easily handled using HyperMorph module within HyperMesh.
The finite element model is morphed to a given shape and then saved as “shape”.
Multiple “shapes” can be saved in HyperMorph. These saved “shapes” are then used by
HyperStudy as design variables.
Process of create shape variables using HyperMorph

11.1.1 – Exporting Shape Variables

On the optimization panel, more specifically on shape subpanel the user can export the
shape as a text file that can be used per HyperStudy to define shape design variables.
Then the user should replace the selected nodes with the include file where the shape
variables are defined using the templex language.
Example of parameterized input deck using shape files

On the image below we can see an example of a shape file:
Shape file example

Chapter 2: Design of Experiments
Chapter 2
Design of Experiments
1 – Introduction
Design of Experiment (DOE) studies are defined as a test or a series of tests in which
input variables (factors) of a process or a system are intentionally changed so that the reasons
for changes in the output response can be identified and observed.
In a CAE model, the factors such as thickness, shape design variables, and material
properties can be changed to study the output responses of the model. DOE studies can also
provide information about interactions between these input factors and their effect on the output.
After a DOE study is complete, a regression equation (which is a polynomial equation of an
output as a function of all the input variables) is obtained. Optimization can then be performed
on the regression equation obtained from the DOE study with a very low cost.
Initially, simple DOE techniques (Full Factorial and Fractional) were applied to designs.
The underlying statistics were calculated using a mathematical average for a basic orthogonal
design.
As designs became more complex, the underlying statistics became more difficult to
determine. Facilitated by increased computer power, one can now apply more advanced
statistical models like D-optimal, Central-Composite, Box-Behnken, and so on. DOE study runs
are independent of each other, so large-scale DOE studies can be run in parallel using parallel
processing techniques or using distributed processing techniques with load sharing clusters.
Many industries, like pharmaceutical, chemical, and manufacturing, have successfully
applied DOE studies to their product development process. DOE studies can also be effective in
studying the behavior of CAE models with non-linear physics such as crash studies, occupant
safety, and vehicle dynamics in the automotive industry.

2 – DOE Concepts and Definitions
Parametric or DOE study Used to explain how changing model parameters (or
factors) influence the performance of the model. In a
parametric study, a model is repeatedly run through
simulations using various combinations of parameter
settings (levels). A mathematical model is then
computed that describes the model responses as an
algebraic function (regression) of its parameters.
Response Surface The algebraic expression produced by a DOE study to
describe the model responses. Generally, the
response surfaces are polynomials with an unknown
structure, so the corresponding experiments are
designed for individual problems.
Study Design The specific combination of parameter settings used in
a parametric study. A good design characterizes the
behavior of a model in the fewest runs possible.
Factor An input parameter (or design variable) of the system.
Factors can be controlled or uncontrolled. A factor can
be either Discrete i.e., slow (-) or fast (+) (Ex. a variety
of seed, type of paint, etc.) or Continuous (Ex.
temperature, A sinusoidal input for frequency response
analysis, etc.).
Level A discrete (or continuous) value of the factor.
Controlled factors Design variables that can be realistically controlled in
the production (real world) environment. Examples
include gauge thickness of sheet steel, shape of a
support bracket, and mold temperature.
Uncontrolled factors Variables that cannot be realistically controlled in the
(Noise) production (real world) environment, but can be
controlled in the lab. Examples include ambient
temperature and occupant seating positioning.
Confounding The inability to distinguish between main effects and
interaction effects. In other words, only combined main
and interaction effects can be determined from the
DOE study.
Main Effect The influence of individual factors on responses.

Interaction Effect The interdependence amongst factors (design

variables). Due to this interdependence, a difference in
the response occurs when the factors are changed
simultaneously as against what would have occurred
when the factors were changed individually. The
combined effect can be significantly more or less than
the sum of individual effects. In such cases the use of
non-orthogonal DOEs should be considered, as they
take cross-product terms (factor1*factor2) in the model
into account. Graphically, two factor interactions are
indicated by a significant non-parallelism of the two
lines in an interaction plot.
Randomization Used to avoid the experimental errors that
systematically differ from the true results. In practice,
these errors are introduced as a result of biasing the
values of design variables either higher or lower on
average than they should be. The use of DOE studies
is an effective approach to modifying a model
according to various extremes in order to be sure a
robust numerical model and a more robust final design
result. A preferable method would be to introduce
randomness into the choice of design variables via
stochastic Monte Carlo simulation techniques.
Regression The polynomial (expression) or the Response Surface
that relates the response of interest back to the
parameters that were varied. It is only as good as the
levels used when performing the study. For example, a
two-level parameter only has a linear relationship in
the regression. Higher order polynomials can be
introduced by using more levels. Note that using more
levels will result in more runs.
A Linear Regression model:
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + (error)
An Interaction Regression Model:
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + a3X1X2 + (error)
A Quadratic Regression Model (2nd order):
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + a3X1X2 + a4X12 + a5X22 + (error)

3 – DOE Study Types
Factorial Study An experimental strategy in which all design variables are varied
together, instead of only one.
Full Factorial Investigates all possible combinations of the factor levels (L),
and consequently enables the study of all possible interactions
between factors (N). A full factorial study requires LN number of
runs.
In the above design, there are two factors with 3 levels each.
For a full factorial runs, it requires 32 = 9 runs. Usually, testing of
all combinations becomes computationally expensive, making
the use of this design prohibitive for most studies.
Fractional Used to reduce the number of runs to extract pertinent
Factorial information about the system (main effects, two factor
interactions). This is useful in cases where using full factorial is
difficult. This is usually used for screening design variables that
have significant influence on the system responses under study.
For a 3N Factorial design, a (1/3)P fraction can be constructed,
resulting in 3N-P points.
Example - for p=1 in a 33 design, the result is a one-third
fraction, often called 33-1 design. This design requires only 9
runs.
Example - for p=11 in a 215 design, the results is a 215-11 design
requiring only 16 runs.

Consider the following full factorial run for 3 factors-2 level design:
A B AxB C AxC BXC AxBXC
0 0 1 0 1 1 0
0 0 1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 1 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 1 0
1 0 0 0 0 1 1
1 0 0 1 1 0 0
1 1 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
A full factorial design results in a 23 design or 8 runs. A fractional factorial of (1/2)p with p =1 can
be obtained i.e. (1/2)1 * 8 = 4 runs. Consider the second, third, fifth, and eighth rows, where the
main effect of A is confounded with interaction effect of BxC, main effect of B is confounded with
interaction effect of AxC, and main effect of C is confounded with interaction effect of AxB. The
fractional factorial matrix is shown as follows:
A (BxC) B (AxC) C (AxB)
0 0 1
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1

Orthogonal Effects of any factor balance out (sum to zero) across the effects of the
other factors. As an example, consider a L4 design.
The second and third column of X matrix is the L4 design. A column of

1s is added. The product of its transpose with itself yields a diagonal
matrix. The matrix that exhibits this property is called orthogonal matrix.
All designs that exhibit this property are called orthogonal design.
Example orthogonal designs: L4, 8, 9, 16, 27, 32, 64, 128
Example non-orthogonal designs: L16, L18, L24, L36
Taguchi Taguchi designs do not typically take into account the interactions
between design factors (design variables). Dr. Taguchi has developed a
system of standard tabulated designs which reduce the number of
experiments as compared to a full factorial design.
An advantage of the Taguchi method is that it emphasizes a mean
performance characteristic value close to the target value rather than a
value within certain specification limits, thus improving the product quality.
Additionally, Taguchi's method for experimental design is straightforward
and easy to apply to many engineering situations, making it a powerful
yet simple tool.
Some Taguchi designs - L4, 8, 9, 16, 27, 32, 64, 128
Central Used to construct second order response surfaces more efficiently. They
Composite are first order (2N) designs augmented by additional center and star
designs (CCD) points to allow estimation and the tuning parameters of a second-order
model (Ref. Montgomery).
If the distance from the center of the design space to a factorial point is
±1 for each factor, the distance from the center of the design space to a
star point is ±α with lαl > 1. The value of α depends on certain properties
required for the design and on the number of factors involved.
A CCD will always have twice as many star points as there are factors.
The three types of CCD are circumscribed (CCC), inscribed (CCI) and
face centered (CCF). CCC designs provide high quality predictions but
require outside the range of the factors. This requires 5 levels for each
factor−α, -1, 0, 1, +α. CCI designs use only points within the factor ranges
but do not provide high quality prediction. This requires 5 levels for each
factor -1, −α, 0, +α, 1. CCF designs provide high quality predictions and
do not use points outside the factor range. However, they give poor
precision to estimate pure quadratic coefficients. CCF requires three
levels -1, 0, 1.
For problems with a large number of factors, CCD designs are time
consuming.

Box-Behnken Used to generate quadratic response surfaces using fewer

required runs than a full factorial design. In this design, the
treatment combinations are at the midpoints of the edges of the
process space and at the center. This design requires few runs for
3 or 4 factors in comparison with CCD.
NOTE: Box-Behnken and Central Composite Designs
essentially suppress selected runs in an attempt to maintain the
higher order surface definition. For example, for three three-level
factors (full factorial = 27 runs) the central composite plan drops all
of the middle edge nodes, resulting in only 15 runs, but you can
still fit a 2nd order equation through the points. The Box-Behnken
design is nearly the opposite in that it uses the 12 middle edge
nodes and three center nodes to fit a 2nd order equation. The
central composite plus Box-Behnken becomes a full factorial with
three extra samples taken at the center.
Plackett- Saturated fractional factorial designs. This class includes designs
Burman with the number of runs (N) as a multiple of 4 (rather than power of
2). These designs are very efficient screening designs where only
main effects are of interest. They are often preferred for screening
experiments because in Plackett-Burman design, main effects are
in general heavily confounded with two-factor interactions. These
are orthogonal designs and may be used for studies involving up to
(N-1) two-level factors. The designs for which N is not an integral
power of 2 are sometimes referred to as nongeometric Plackett-
Burman designs. Nongeometric designs have an extremely
complex aliasing structure. In some of these designs, the main
effects may be partially confounded with a large number of
interactions. However, in specific cases, Plackett-Burman designs
can be an attractive alternative with fewer runs than traditional
Resolution III fractional designs.

4 – DOE Study Types - Applications

DOE studies can be classified according to their functional applications:
• DOE for Screening
• DOE for Factorial Studies
• DOE for Response Surface (RSM) evaluation
4.1 – DOE for Screening

A DOE study for screening (a two level design with no interactions, for example) will
provide a global understanding of the complete system (giving the magnitude and direction of
effects). This initial screening exercise will allow parameters not influencing the system to be
discarded, thereby reducing the number of factors and runs. The drawback of a screening DOE
is that it is of lower precision.
Types: Fractional Factorial
Plackett-Burman
D-Optimal
4.2 – DOE for Factorial Studies

The objective of a Factorial DOE is to study the main effects and some factor interaction
effects on a model using only a few factors. Typically factorial studies are 2-level DOEs, and
can yield only linear regression models.
Types: Full Factorial
Fractional Factorial
D-Optimal
4.3 – DOE for Response Surface (RSM) Evaluation

The objective of DOE studies for response surface evaluation is to accurately predict the
model behavior with a regression equation (polynomial equation), relating the factors back to
the responses studied. The studies are performed with only a few factors to obtain higher order
response surfaces. The eventual goal of this type of study is to perform optimization on the
response surface to find the optimum values of design variables.
Types: Box-Behnken
Central composites
D-Optimal

5 – Typical DOE Assessment Procedure

The following steps provide a method to assess a system using DOE studies.
1. A simple DOE study (e.g. two-level design with no interactions) provides a global
understanding of the complete system. This initial screening exercise allows parameters not
influencing the system to be discarded.
2. Follow this procedure with a refined DOE, including the significant interaction. This study
makes use of the system knowledge developed during the screening DOE.
3. Perform an optimization using the response surface information provided by the refined
DOE study.
The end goal of a DOE study is not to find an optimal, single solution. It is to develop an
understanding of the behavior of a system. The most important information obtained from a
DOE study is the ability to predict trends, even with interacting design variables. An added
bonus of performing DOE studies is the generation of a response surface. It is not a traditional
part of the solution. With information about the most influential design variables for the
responses of interest, one can proceed to do the actual response surface based optimization
using the HyperOpt solver in HyperStudy. This can substantially save time and computational
resources.
6 – DOE Process
1. Assign factors (dv’s) from .tpl, .hm,.mdl, .hf file.
2. Perform nominal run to create responses for DOE study.
3. Select the DOE type for controlled and/or uncontrolled factors.
4. Divide the factors into controlled and uncontrolled if needed.
5. Export the solver input files for the specified runs as required by the DOE
matrix.
6. Solve the above exported files.
7. Extract the responses for the above solved files.
8. Study the main effects, interaction effects, sensitivity index.

Exercise 2.1: DOE Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS

A Design of Experiment (DOE) is used on this exercise to identify the influence of the
thickness of the rail parts and the shape of the small tube on volume and the max von Mises
Stress responses. The objective is to understand the system behavior and determine the
responses sensibility with these parameters.
Model Information
o 3 DVs
PSHELL.T.1 { XL = 1, XM = 1.5 , XU = 2}
tube.T.1 { XL = 1, XM = 1.5, XU = 2}
Sh1.S { XL = -5, XM = 1, XU = 5}
o Two Responses
Volume
Von Mises Stress (Element 2886)
Problem Setup
Copy the file rail_joint.hm to your working directory.

Step 1: Load the model into HyperMesh.

Profiles dialog.
3. Click File >Open… and browse to find the rail_joint.hm file.

4. Click Open.
Step 2: Create shapes using HyperMorph

1. From the pull down menu select Morphing > Morph to access the Morph panel.
2. Click on alter dimensions subpanel.
3. Switch from distance= to curvature and enter a value of 1.07 for the curve ratio.
4. Press ENTER.
This will make the radius to be modified as the multiple of the curve ratio. The tube radius is
33 units before morphing. After morphing, the new radius is 33 x 1.07 = 35.31 units.
5. Select the two domains in the front and the two domains in the back of the model. The
domains you should select are displayed as thick black lines in the following images.

Front domains
Back domains
6. Switch the center calculation: to by edges.

7. Toggle the symmetry option to auto symmetry.

8. Click morph.
9. Go to the save shape subpanel.
10. In the name= field, type sh1.
Make sure the as handle perturbations toggle is selected.
11. Click save.

12. Click undo all to guarantee that you have return the model to its original shape.
13. Click return twice to exit the HyperMorph module.
14. Click File > Save As… and save the model rail_joint_with_Shape.hm.
Step 3: Create the study setup.

1. From the pull down menu click Applications > HyperStudy.
2. Click Add Study… and select New….
4. Click on the open folder icon to browse until the directory you want to run the DOE.
5. Click Next >.
Step 4: Add a model for the study.

1. Click Add Model….
2. Click OK to accept the default Model type:, Label:, and Variable:.
3. Click Next >.
Step 5: Add design variables for the study.

The Model Parameters dialog is displayed.
2. Collapse the + before Thickness to view PSHELL.T.1 and tube.T.1.
3. Collapse the + before Shape to view sh1.S.
4. Select on PSHELL.T.1 and click Add.

Model parameters after clicking on PSHELL.T.1
5. Repeat Step 4 for tube.T.1 and sh1.S.

6. Click OK.
7. Click on PSHELL.T.1 and change the lower and upper bound to 1.0 and 2.0, respectively.
8. Repeat step 7 for tube.T.1 and sh1.S with the following values:
Lower bound Upper bound
Tube.T.1 1.0 2.0
sh1.S -5.0 5.0
Changing lower and upper bounds
9. Click Next >.

10. Type rail_joint.fem as the solver input file.
11. Make sure the Solver execution script is RADIOSS.
12. Click Write/Execute.
13. After RADIOSS finish the nominal run, click Next > .
Step 6: Create responses for the study.

1. Click Add Response….
2. In the Label field, type volume.

3. Click OK.
4. Click Add Response again.
5. In the Label field, type von Mises.
6. Click OK.
7. Click volume under Responses:.
8. Click Expr Builder… under Response Expression:
9. Click Add to add a vector and select the file m_1/rail_joint.out as the Vector
resource file.
10. Make sure Type: is OptiStruct Analysis, Request: is Out File, and Component: is
Volume.
11. Click Apply.
12. Check Evaluate expression.
305143 is displayed.
13. Uncheck Evaluate expression and click OK.

14. Highlight von Mises under Responses: and click Response Expr Builder.
15. Click Add to add a second vector and load m_1/rail_joint.h3d as the Vector
resource file.
16. Make sure Type: is Element Stresses (2D & 3D) (2D), Request: is Element 2886 and
Component: is vonMises (Z2).
17. Click Apply.
18. Check Evaluate expression.
254.938 is displayed.
19. Deactivate Evaluate expression and click OK.

20. Click Next > twice.
21. Click File > Save Current Study As….
22. Save the study file as rail_joint.xml under training directory.
This completes the study setup. This study file will be used later for optimization.
Step 7: Perform a DOE study.

1. Click Continue To… and select DOE study.
2. Click Add DOE study….

4. Select Full Factorial as the DOE Class under Controlled factors.

5. Click Next >.
6. Select the first Design Variable Label PSHELL.T.1 and increase the No. of levels: from 2
to 3, where the points are (1; 1.5; 2).
7. Repeat step 6 for Design Variable Label tube.T.1 (1; 1.5; 2) and sh1.S (-5; 0; 5).
8. Click Next >.
Interactions can be observed here.
9. Click Next > four more times to reach Write/Execute runs in the study tree.
Note that since there are no uncontrolled factors, those selections are automatically
skipped.

11. Click Yes to the prompt indicatingthat DOE will be performed in interactive mode.
12. Click Next >.
13. Click >>Extract>> to extract both responses.
14. Click Next>.
This completes running a full factorial DOE run for two size variables and one shape
variable. Post-processing will now be performed on the DOE runs.
Step 8: Perform post-processing and evaluate results.

The Main Effects tab shows the main effect of each controlled parameter on the selected
response.
By default, the Post processing dialog shows the main effects of all the responses. To observe
the main effect of a volume response:
1. Activate the Curve legend box.

2. Under the Responses tab, deactivate von Mises.
Main Effects tab

The main effect plot shows the following behavior:
Design Variable Volume (Lower) Volume (Mid) Volume (Upper)

PSHELL.T.1 2.23e+5 3.04e+5 3.85e+5
tube.T.1 2.84e+5 3.04e+5 3.25e+5
sh1.S 2.90e+5 3.05e+5 3.17e+5
As can be seen from the above table, the volume changes significantly (from 2.23e+5 to
3.85e+5) when PSHELL.T.1 is changed from lower bound (1.0) to upper bound (2.0). The
change in the volume response is less for the tube.T.1 and sh1.S.
The slope of the PSHELL.T.1 is greater than that of tube.T.1 and sh1.S. This also indicates
that volume response is influenced more by the PSHELL.T.1 design variable than by
tube.T.1 and sh1.S. The relationship between the volume response and each design
variable is linear.
3. Uncheck volume and check von Mises to see the main effect for von Mises response.
The main effect plot shows the following behavior for von Mises response.
Design Variable Von Mises (Lower) Von Mises (Mid) Von Mises (upper)
PSHELL.T.1 347.2 353.0 362.3
tube.T.1 476.9 330.0 255.6
sh1.S 622.0 274.6 165.9
As can be seen from the above table, von Mises stress at element 2886 is influenced greatly
by sh1.S, which represents the radius of the tube. The slope of sh1.S is also the highest in
comparison with tube.T.1 and PSHELL.T.1 variables. It can also be seen that the
relationship between von Mises stress and the three design variables are non-linear, since
we used three levels for each design variable.
The Controlled Design Variable Interactions tab shows the interactions between
controlled parameters for a particular response.
4. Click the Controlled Design Variable Interactions tab and click on the circle before
volume.
5. Choose the DV's tab and check the circle under C1.
Controlled Design Variable Interactions tab, DVs tab

The Controlled tab shows the interaction plot of C0 and C1, which are the PSHELL.T.1 and
the tube.T.1 respectively, on the volume response. The x-axis of the plot is dv1 (which is
PSHELL.T.1), which varies between its lower and upper bound of 1.0 and 2.0, respectively.
The y-axis of the plot is the volume response.
The plot has three curves; the first curve is that of volume v/s PSHELL.T.1 when tube.T.1 is
held constant at 1.0. The second curve when tube.T.1 is held at 1.5 and the third curve
when tube.T.1 is held at 2.0.
As can be seen from the three curves, they are parallel to each other. This indicates there is
no interaction between the two design variables.
The following can also be deduced from the plot. At dv1=1.0, volume increases from 2e+5
to 2.2e+5 when tube.T.1 is increased from 1.0 to 1.5. At DV1= 2.0, volume increases from
3.6e+5 to 3.8e+5 when tube.T.1 is increased from 1.0 to 1.5. This suggests that increasing
tube.T.1 from 1.0 to 1.5 for a constant DV1 (at 1.0 or at 2.0) does not increase volume
significantly. Therefore, tube.T.1 is not sensitive to volume. However, increasing DV1 from
1.0 to 2.0 for the same tube.T.1 value, increases volume from 2e5 to 3.6e5 (for tube.T.1 =
1.0). Therefore, PSHELL.T.1 is sensitive to volume. This behavior is consistent with the
main effect behavior where volume was found to be most sensitive to PSHELL.T.1.
Repeat the above steps for interaction between C0-C2 and C1-C2. Observe the interactions
for von Mises stress response.
6. Select the Uncontrolled Design Variable Interactions tab. This is the interactions dialog
for the uncontrolled part of the study. Since there is no uncontrolled parameter, this study
contains no uncontrolled interactions.
7. Select the Cross Interactions tab. It shows the interactions between controlled and
uncontrolled parameters for a given response. Since there is no uncontrolled parameter, you
see nothing in this setting.
8. Select the Sensitivity Index tab. It shows the effect of uncontrolled (noise) parameters on
the response. This is similar to the main effects for controlled parameters. Again, since
uncontrolled interactions were not present in this study, there is no information in this
setting.
This completes the main effects and the interaction effect of the design variables. A DOE
study also provides a regression equation, which is a polynomial equation of a response as
a function of all the design variables.
9. Click File > Save Current Study As… and save the study file
rail_joint_DOE_study.xml, that will be used on Exercise 3.1.
At the end of the exercise we should be able to answer these questions:

o Are all responses affected per all parameters?
o Can we reduce the problem dimension?
o For Volume which are the most important parameter?

o For Von Mises which are the most important parameter?

o Is it possible only with the DOE to determine a design that the Stress <= 200 MPa with
the minimum volume?

Exercise 2.2: DOE Study of a Cantilever Beam using Templex

This exercise runs a simple DOE study on a cantilever beam to examine the influence of
the length, width, and height of the beam on its volume, maximum stress, and deflection. We
would like to know all of the main effects and all of the interactions between the beam's
dimensions, so full factorial is used for this DOE study. The base input Templex template
beam.tpl defines three design variables (L, B, and H) for the beam dimensions labeled as
length, width, and height, respectively (see figure below).
Cantilever Beam
The sample base input template beam.tpl can be found in the training directory.
{parameter(L,"Length",50,50,100)}
{parameter(B,"Width",2.5,2.5,5)}
{parameter(H,"Height",5,5,10)}
{P = 100}
{E = 2e11}
{M = P*L}
{c = H/2}
{I = (B*H^3)/12}
{MAX_STRESS = (M*c)/I}
{MAX_DISP = (P*L^3)/(3*E*I)}
{VOLUME = B*H*L}
{MAX_STRESS}
{MAX_DISP}
{VOLUME}
Problem Statement
o 3 DVs ( 2 Levels)
Length { XL = 50, XU = 100}
Width { XL = 2.5, XU = 5}
Height { XL = 5, XU = 10}
o Three Responses
Max Stress
Max Displacement
Volume
Problem Setup
Copy the file beam.tpl to your working directory.

Step 1: Create a study setup.

1. Go to Start > Altair HyperWorks 10.0 > HyperStudy.
2. Click Add Study… > New….
3. Under Label: enter BEAM. Click OK to accept the study name as BEAM.
4. Click on open folder icon under study directory select the \BEAM_STUDY directory you
want to use.
This is the directory into which all the runs for this DOE are to be written.
5. Click Next >.
Step 2: Add a model to the study.

2. Make sure the Model type: is Template.
4. Click on the open folder icon under Template file and select beam.tpl.
5. Click Next >.
The design variables are displayed (shown in image below). Click on each design variable
to see that the label, initial value, and lower and upper bounds are the same as those in the
beam.out file.
Design variables
6. Click Next >.

This step ensures that design variables are correctly loaded into HyperStudy.
7. Type beam.out under Solver input file.

8. Click on the drop menu for Solver execution script and select Templex.

Selecting Templex as the solver script
10. Click Next >.
A directory called nom_run is created under the study directory selected in Step 4. Templex
executes beam.tpl and prints the values to a file called beam.out under the nom_run
directory.
Step 3: Add responses for the study.

1. Click Add Response and change the Label: to Max Stress.
2. Click OK.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 two more times with the labels Max disp. and Volume.
4. Click Max Stress under Responses: so that it is highlighted.
5. Click Expr Builder….
The HyperStudy - Response Expression Builder window is launched.
Response Expression Builder

6. Click Add to add a vector for a response.
7. Click on the open folder icon under Vector resource file, select beam.tpl, and
click open. “\nom_run\m_1\beam.out”
8. Make sure
Type: Unknown,
Request: Block 1,
Component: Column 1.
9. Click Apply.
v_1 is written under Response expression.
Creating a vector in the Response Expression Builder
10. Activate the Evaluate response expression check box.

This vector has stress in the first row, displacement in the second row, and the volume in the
last row. The following values {480,8e-007,625} are displayed. HyperStudy also displays
the following message:

HyperStudy Error Message
This message appears because beam.tpl contains the values of maximum stress,
maximum displacement, and volume in a column, and is therefore a vector. However, the
responses HAVE to be a scalar. Since the first value of 480 represents the maximum
stress, we need to select the first value of the vector.
11. Click OK on the HyperStudy message.

12. Deactivate the Evaluate response expression box.
13. Change Response expression from v_1 to v_1[0] to select the first row of the vector.
14. Activate the Evaluate response expression check box. 480 should be displayed in the
Response expression field.
15. Deactivate the Evaluate response expression check box.
16. Click OK.
17. Click Close to exit the Response Expression Builder.
18. Continue on to repeat this process for Max disp and volume.
19. Highlight Max disp under Responses:.
20. Enter v_1[1] in the text field under Response Expression:
21. Activate the Evaluate expression check box.
8e-007 should be displayed as the maximum displacement.
22. Highlight volume under Responses:.

23. Enter v_1[2] in the text field under Response expression:.
625 should be displayed as the volume.
25. Click Next > to access the link design variables. There are no design variables to be linked.
26. Click Next > to access sensitivity expression.
Continue from this point to the following DOE study.

Step 4: Set up a DOE study.

The following steps illustrate how to set up a DOE study through the selection of a DOE
matrix and design variables. Design variables can either be controlled or uncontrolled. In this
exercise, a full factorial DOE matrix is considered. This provides the main effect of the design
variables and their interactions with one another for selected responses. The length, width, and
depth of the design variables are introduced as controlled and their effects are studied for the
following responses: maximum stress, maximum displacement, and volume.
1. Click Continue To… and select DOE Study.
2. Click Add DOE Study….
4. Under Controlled factors, DOE class: select Full Factorial.
Full Factorial Design Class
5. Click Next >.

The DOE matrix has now been selected for this study.
6. Make sure all of the design variables are set to level 2 (No. of levels:).

Design variables/design variable properties.
7. Click Next >.

All of the Interactions are checked since Full Factorial has been chosen.
8. Click Next >.

Observe that there are eight rows for the DOE matrix. There are no confounding terms for
the columns under the Allocations table.
9. Click Next >.

There are no uncontrolled factors, so the selection jumps to Select responses.
10. Make sure all of the responses under DOE responses: are checked.
Checked DOE responses

11. Click Next >.

The DOE Run Table tab appears. Continue on to perform DOE runs from here.
Step 5: Perform DOE Runs.

You should now be at the Write/Execute runs level on the study tree.
1. Click Write/Execute to write files for eight runs.
Extract responses dialog, write results
2. Click Next >.

The Extract responses dialog is displayed. Continue on to extract responses from this
point.
Step 6: Extract responses for a DOE study.

1. Click >> Extract >>.

Extract Responses
Observe that all of the responses are populated.
2. Click Next >.

The DOE study has now been set up and run. The Main Effects tab is now displayed.
Step 7: Perform post-processing and evaluate the results.

The Main Effects tab shows the main effect of each controlled parameter on the selected
response. The Post Processing dialog shows the main effects of all the responses by default.
To observe the main effect of a single response:
1. Activate the Curve legend check box.
2. Deactivate Max disp and volume under the Responses tab.

Main Effects, Responses tab
Design Variable Max Stress - lower bound Max Stress - upper bound
Length 225 ∑ S i ( Ll )
N
450 ∑ S i ( Lu )
N
Width 450 ∑ S i ( Bl )
N
225 ∑ S i ( Bu )
N
Height 540 ∑ S i ( Bl )
N
135 ∑ S i ( Bu )
N
As illustrated in the table above, as the length is increased from 50 to 100 units, the max
stress increases from 225 to 450. Increasing the width from 2.5 to 5 units decreases the
max stress by the same amount. The contributions for max stress from both length and
width are identical. Increasing the height from 5 to 10 units decreases the max stress by a
larger extent (from 530 to 130). It is clear that for the max stress response, height has a
larger main effect than length or width.

3. Deactivate Max Stress and activate Max disp.

Design Variable Max disp at lower bound Max disp at upper bound
Length 3.37e-7 ∑ U i ( Ll )
N
2.7e-6 ∑ U i ( Lu )
N
Width 2.0e-6 ∑ U i ( Bl )
N
1.0e-6 ∑ U i ( Bu )
N
Height 2.7e-6 ∑ U i ( Bl )
N
3.37e-7 ∑ U i ( Bu )
N
As can be seen from the above table, changing length and height has the same influence
on the max disp response. Changing width does not influence max disp as much as it does
length and height.
4. Repeat Steps 3 for volume response.
Step 8: Observe the interactions between variables.

The Controlled Design Variable Interactions tab shows the interactions between controlled
parameters for a particular response.
1. Choose the Controlled Design Variable Interactions tab and click on the circle before
Max Stress response.
Controlled Design Variable Interactions

2. Choose the DV's tab and make sure the circle under C1 is selected.
Controlled Design Variables Interactions tab, DV's
The Controlled tab shows the interaction plot of C0 (length) and C1 (width), on the max
stress response. The x-axis of the plot is dv1, (length), which varies between its lower and
upper bound of 50 and 100, respectively.
The y-axis of the plot is the max stress response. The plot has two curves; the first curve is
that of max stress X length when width is held constant at its minimum of 2.5, the second
curve is when width is held at its maximum of 5.0. As can be seen from the two curves in
the figure, they are not parallel to each other. This indicates there is some amount of
interaction between the two design variables. The following can also be verified from the
plot: at width = 2.5, max stress increases from 300 to 600 when length is increased from 50
to 100.0. At width = 5.0, max stress increases from 150 to 300. So, for the same change in
length, the relationship (indicated by the slope) between the max stress and the length is
also being influenced by width. This implies that there is some interaction between length
and width for max stress response.
3. Repeat the steps above for interaction between C0-C2 and C1-C2. Observe the
interactions for max disp and volume responses.
4. Select the Uncontrolled Design Variable Interactions tab.
This is the interactions dialog for the uncontrolled part of the study. Since there is no
uncontrolled parameter, this study contained no uncontrolled interactions.
5. Select the Cross Interactions tab.

It shows the interactions between controlled and uncontrolled parameters for a given
response. Since there is no uncontrolled parameter here, you see nothing in this setting.
6. Select the Sensitivity Index tab.

It shows the effect of uncontrolled (noise) parameters on the response. This is similar to the
main effects for controlled parameters. Again, since uncontrolled interactions were not
present in this study, there is no information in this setting. This completes the main effects
and the interaction effect of the design variables.
7. Close HyperStudy and save the study as BEAM_DOE_2.2.xml, it will be used on the
Approximation exercise 3.2.

Exercise 2.3: DOE Study Using MotionView and MotionSolve

This exercise demonstrates the use of HyperStudy to perform a DOE study with
MotionSolve. The problem is a kinematic analysis of a four bar link mechanism. The files
needed for this tutorial can be found at the training directory, and should be copied to your
working directory.
Four Bar MBD Model
Problem Statement
o 2 DVs
4-z(A) { X0 = 1108, XL = 1095, XU = 1108}
2-z(B) { X0 = 1104, XL = 1100, XU = 1108}
o One Response
Objective Function: Min (DZ)
The design variables are the locations of points A and B. The objective is to study the
effect of changing the length of the links 1 and 2 on the displacement of point C.
Problem Setup
Copy the files Fourbarlink.mdl and trunklid.h3d to your working directory.

Step 1: To create the design variables:

1. Open MotionView and load the file Fourbarlink.mdl.
2. Change the graphics settings:
- Click Model from the top menu.
- Select Implicit Graphics… to open the Implicit Graphics Settings window.
- Change the Size for Joints to 10.
- Click Close.
3. Click the SolverMode > MotionSolve.
4. Click the Applications > HyperStudy.
This launches HyperStudy.
5. In the HyperStudy window, click Add Study… > New….

6. In the HyperStudy – Add Study window, type a name for a study or select the default name
and click OK.
7. Under the Study Directory select the working directory.
8. Click Next >.
10. In the HyperStudy – Add Model window, type in a model name or select the default name,
and click OK.
11. Click Next >.
12. In the Design variables page, click Add Model Parameter….
This opens a Model Parameter Tree window.
13. Expand the tree at Points.

14. Expand the tree at Point 4 and select z.
15. Click Add.
This loads the Z coordinate of point 4 as the design variable. (4-z)
16. To add the second design variable, expand the tree at Point 2 and select z.
17. Click Add.
This loads the Z coordinate of point 2 as the design variable. (2-z)
18. Click Done.

19. While the marker is on dv_1, change the Lower bound to 1095 and the Upper bound to
1108.
20. Change the marker to select dv_2 and change the Lower bound of dv_2 to 1100 and
Upper bound to 1108.
21. Click Next >.
Step 2: To perform the base run:

1. In the Solver Input file, enter m1.
2. From the drop down Solver Execution Script, select MotionSolve_HST.
3. Click Write and then Execute
or
Write/Execute.
When the MotionSolve job is complete, a message appears saying:
Solver execution of "Model_1 (m_1)" for "nom_run" complete.
A nom_run/m_1/ directory is created inside the study directory. The file m1.mrf is the
result of the nominal run. It is created within the nom_run/m_1/ directory.
4. Click Next >.

The Create responses panel displays.
Step 3: To create a response:

1. Click Add response….
The Add response pop up windows opens.
2. For Label:, enter DZ, and Click OK.

3. Click on DZ response to highlight it.
4. Click Expr Builder….
The HyperStudy - Response Expression Builder window appears.
5. On the Vectors tab, click Add.

A result vector called Vector 1 is added. This vector now needs to be defined.
6. Click the browser button under the Vector resource file field and select the m1.mrf file.
7. Under Type select Marker Displacement.

8. Under Request select REQ/70000000 Output1- (on Coupler).

9. Under Component, select DZ.
This selects the Z component of the displacement of the input link.
10. Click Apply to use this vector in the expression field.

11. In the Response expression field, edit to obtain max(v_1).
12. Check the Evaluate response expression box.
The expression max(v_1)should change to 1106.15.
13. Click OK.

This completes the study setup. You can now proceed to the desired study type (DOE,
Optimization, or Stochastic study).
Step 4: To run a DOE study:

1. Click the blank box for Create DOE study in the navigation tree under DOE study.
2. Click Add DOE Study….
3. Click OK.
4. Under Controlled factors, set DOE Class as Hammersley.
5. For Number of Runs, type 10.
6. Click Next > three times.
For this model there are no interactions to be changed and allocations set up.
This brings you to the DOE responses dialog.
7. Review the responses.

8. Click Next >.
This gets you to the dialog to actually run the study.
10. Answer the question that pops up with Yes.
This executes all four runs.
11. Click Next > to get to the Extract responses page.

12. Click >> Extract >>.
This extracts the responses defined from the ten runs.

13. After the results are extracted, click Next > to continue to the Post-processing window.
Step 5: To post-process the results of the DOE study:

1. Review the Main Effects.
2. Click the Run Summary tab to see a table of all of the runs.
3. On the same page, click on Visualize in the lower right corner for further post-processing
and data mining.
This will open a new window.
4. Click the Display Correlation icon at Tool Bar.

This will show the linear correlation between the design variables and the responses.

5. On Linear Correlations switch the Display Mode to Colors+Histograms+Scatter Plot.

This will show the different ways that it is possible to pos-processing the correlations
between responses and DVs from a DOE simulation.

6. Click the Display responses surface icon at Tool Bar.

This will show responses surface, this can be plotted with many different configurations and
interpolation methods.

7. Click the Display Current values SnakeView icon at Tool Bar.

This will show the snake view, using the switch button you can also see the spider view.
Both visualizations can give you a good overview about the responses and design variable
correlations.
8. After you plot these graphics you can close all HyperStudy and MotionView windows. You
don’t need to save the study.

Chapter 3: Approximation
Chapter 3
Approximation
1– Introduction
Any differentiable function can be approximated by a polynomial function, this can be

proved using Taylor expansion series technique. The term approximation, when used in context
of engineer design refers to determine a mathematical expression that can represent as good
as possible the Nominal curve (F) that this approximation intends to replace.
To determine this approximation HyperStudy can use 3 different algorithms, this
technique is known as Regression, that is to determine the best polynomial expression that
represents the response of interest (F). It is only as good as the levels used when performing
the study. For example, a two-level parameter only has a linear relationship in the regression.
Higher order polynomials can be introduced by using more levels. Note that using more levels
results in more runs.
• Linear Regression model
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + (error)
• Interaction Regression Model
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + a3X1X2 + (error)
• Quadratic Regression Model (2nd order)
F(X) = a0 + a1X1 + a2X2 + a3X1X2 + a4X12 + a5X22 + (error)
1.1 – Why Perform Approximation Study?

The computational cost of complex scientific and engineering simulations makes it
impractical to rely on them exclusively for design studies. Using approximations in such cases
lead to substantial savings of computational resources.

Optimization can fall into local minimum or maximum when the responses are nonlinear.
Using approximate responses, the user can avoid this issue.
The challenge:
When using approximations, there is a trade off between accuracy and efficiency then
the question is how to generate an accurate representation of the response with a low cost or
better an affordable cost.
There are several methods that can be used to evaluate these polynomial
approximations, on HyperStudy it is implemented 3 different algorithms that can be applied to a
set of points simulated in a DOE or in a user simulation matrix, the implemented methods are:
• Least Square Regression
• Moving Least Squares
• HyperKriging
1.2 – Least Square Regression

Carl Friedrich Gauss has developed the fundamentals of the basis for least-squares
analysis in 1795 at the age of eighteen. Legendre was the first to publish the method, however.
The objective consists of adjusting the approximated function coefficients so as to it best
fit a Nominal Curve (F). If the Nominal curve has a set of N points (data pairs) (xi ,yi), i = 1, ..., n,
where xi are independent and yi are dependent DVs. The approximation has the form f(xi,
mj), where the mj are the adjustable coefficients. We want to determine these parameter values
for which the approximated curve "best" fits the Nominal curve. The least squares method
N
defines that when the sum of squared residuals S = ∑r
i =1
i
2
is minimized this is the best mj
parameter values. The residual is defined as: ri = Fi − f (xi , m j ) , if the user decide to use
Least Square Regression, HyperStudy automatically determine the best parameters to
approximate the Nominal curve.
If the approximation type is Least Square Regression, on HyperStudy it is possible to
select which terms to include in the response approximation equations for the selected
approximation and to decide the order of these equations.

1.3 – Moving Least Squares

Moving Least Squares (MLS) is a method of reconstructing continuous functions from a
set of unorganized point samples via the calculation of a weighted least squares measure
biased towards the region around the point at which the reconstructed value is requested.
The MLS method was originated by mathematicians Lancaster and Salkauskas “Surfaces
generated by moving least squares methods” [1981] for smoothing and interpolating data. The idea
is to start with a weighted least squares formulation for an arbitrary fixed point in Rd, and then
move this point over the entire domain, where a weighted least squares fit is computed and
evaluated for each point individually. It can be shown that the global function f(x) is obtained
from a set of local functions. T
This regression method is very good for local optimization because the function is very
well approximated locally, but it can easy generate local minimum that are not found on the
actual response.
If the approximation type is Moving Least Squares, you can choose to define a number
of parameters and settings.
Name Values Explanation
Basic Order 1, 2 (default), 3 Order of the base polynomial.
Weighting Gaussian (default), Cubic, Fourth Type of weighting decay function.

function order, Fifth order, Seventh order
Closeness of fit Manual (default), Automatic Way of determining the closeness of fit. If a
validation DOE is available, this selection can be
made.
Fitting quality R-Square (default), Relative Average Way by which the approximation quality is
Absolute Error, Maximum Absolute measured. Applies only if Closeness of fit is set
Error to Automatic.
Fit parameter 0.0 … 10.0 The higher the value, the closer the fit. Applies
default = 5.0 only if Closeness of fit is set to Manual.
Advanced N-Excess point Default = 3 Number of additional points to provide a

necessary amount of redundant information for the
least squares model fitting.
Minimum Default = 0.001 Sampling points that have a weight smaller than
weight the prescribed valued are considered excluded
from the sphere of influence.
Epsilon Default = 1.0e-12 Value that prevents from solving an ill-conditioned

system of normal equations.
Delta Default = 0.001 Termination tolerance for the optimization that is

used in the automatic fitting of the approximation.
The Diagnostics show the quality of the approximation. If a Validation DOE is applied, the
diagnostics for the validation matrix and for a merged (combined) matrix is given in addition to
the diagnostics of the run matrix.

1.4 – HyperKriging
Kriging is an optimal prediction method designed initially for geophysical variables with a
continuous distribution. Kriging belongs to the family of linear least squares estimation
algorithms.
The variable values are somewhat random but their variation is not described by any
geometric function. Kriging interpolates an elevation value for each output raster cell by
calculating a weighted average of the elevations at nearby vector or database points or TIN
nodes. Closer points/nodes are weighted more heavily than more distant ones in the calculation.
The Kriging method analyzes the statistical variation in values over different distances and in
different directions to determine the shape and size of the point selection area as well as the set
of weighting factors that will produce the minimum error in the elevation estimate.
If the approximation type is HyperKriging, the polynomial order of the approximation is
automatically chosen. The Diagnostics show the quality of the approximation. If a Validation
DOE is applied, the diagnostics for the validation matrix and for a merged (combined) matrix is
given in addition to the diagnostics of the run matrix
The method implemented on HyperStudy has some differences form the original Kriging
Method, to don’t create confusion this was denominated HyperKriging.

Exercise 3.1: Approximation Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS

You have finished the DOE study on exercise 2.1, now using HyperStudy it is possible to
do a regression equation (which is a polynomial equation of an output as a function of all the
input variables). You will learn that this is a very useful tool to understand better the simulation
results and it can be used to do an optimization with a very low cost.
This exercise uses the model file: rail_joint_with_Shape.hm and the DOE study
from the exercise 2.1.
Problem Statement
o 3 DVs
PSHELL.T.1 { XL = 1, XU = 2}
tube.T.1 { XL = 1, XU = 2}
Sh1.S { XL = -5, XU = 5}
o Two Responses
Volume
Von Mises Stress (Element 2886)
Problem Setup
• Copy the study files from the exercise 2.1 to the directory where you will run this
exercise.
You should copy these:
o Directories: nom_run, DOE.
o Files: rail_joint_with_Shape.hm, RAIL_JOINT_DOE_study.xml.
• Create a HyperMesh shortcut on the directory you will run this study.
• You have to modify the study directory on your study file (XML) with the new location.

Step 1: Create an approximation for regression equation.

1. Lunch HyperMesh and chose the profile: RADIOSS and the format BulkData
2. Click File > Open… and select the file rail_joint_with_Shape.hm.
3. Click Applications > HyperStudy.
4. Click Add Study… > From File… and select the file rail_joint_DOE_study.xml.
It should show the Study setup and DOE populated like the following figure:
5. Go to the Approximation module and click on Create approximations in the Study tree.
6. Click Add….
The HyperStudy – Add Approximation dialog box is displayed.
7. Choose Approximation Type as Least Squares Regression.

8. Make sure the Add to all toggle is turned on.
Approximations for both the responses are created.
9. Click OK.
10. Click Next >.
11. Click Import matrix.
12. Click OK on the Import DOE dialog.
13. Click Next > to go to Build Approximation module.
For the first response volume, notice that the Order of the Regression Model is 2, since this
is a three level design.
14. Under Order change from 2 to 1 and press Enter.

Notice the response equation changes to first order.
15. Change the Order back to 2.

16. Repeat the process for von Mises response.

17. Click Next > to go to Residuals module.
This module shows the difference between the response value from the solver and the
response value from the regression equation. The residual plot can be used to determine
which runs are generating more error in the regression model.
Notice that the % error for the volume response (which is error between the observed value
from the finite element solver to the predicted value from the regression equation) is zero,
while for von Mises stress they are very close to zero. This suggests that a three level DOE
design is sufficient to get a good regression equation to fit volume and von Mises response.
18. Select Scatter plot or Bar chart to see the variations of residuals.
19. Click Next > to go to trade-off module.
You can use this panel to determine how each parameter interact with the response, then
you can determine which one is more important for the response and how this response is
affected by change the other parameters ate the same time.
These tools can be used to identify graphically the optimum solution based on the
approximation.
20. Click Next > to go to the Anova module.

It shows the contributing percent of each parameter on the Responses. The contributing
percents should be consistent with the results shown in the main effects plot. The Anova
tab shown below illustrates the contributing percent of each effect to the volume response.
Note that the contributing percent due to the main effect of PSHELL.T.1 is greater for
volume response, as was predicted from the Main effects tab. tube.T.1, sh1.S, and its
interactions contribute to von Mises stress.

Anova tab - contributing percent of each effect to the volume response
Step 11: Save the study file, DOE post-processing, and approximations.
1. Click File > Save Current Study As…. And save the RAIL_JOINT_APPROX_study.xml.
2. Click Save.
This saves the DOE information to an xml file. This xml file will be retrieved later for an
optimization study.
This study was made through a HyperMesh-HyperStudy link, so to retrieve

the study, HyperMesh must be launched, and the model file must be loaded
before HyperStudy can be launched and the study file added.
Once you save the file, the text files and mvw files from DOE post-processing and
approximations are automatically saved in the doe/doe_1 and approximation directories,
respectively. These files can then be used for post-processing in HyperGraph, Excel or read
in as text format.
3. Click File > Exit to exit HyperStudy.

4. Click File > Exit to close HyperMesh.

Exercise 3.2: Least Square Approximation

This exercise is a continuation from the DOE study made with the templex cantilever
beam model; at this exercise HyperStudy is used to determine the best approximation curve for
the responses we are interested.
Cantilever Beam
Model Information
o 3 DVs (2 Levels)
Length { XL = 50, XU = 100}
Width { XL = 2.5, XU = 5}
Height { XL = 5, XU = 10}
o Three Responses
Max Stress
Max Displacement
Volume
Problem Setup
• Copy the study files from the exercise 2.2 to the directory where you will run this
exercise.
o Directories: nom_run, DOE.
o Files: beam.tpl, BEAM_DOE_2.2.xml.

Step 1: Open the DOE study from the exercise 2.2

1. Go to Start > Altair HyperWorks 10.0 > HyperStudy.
2. Click Add Study… > From file…
3. Browse for the Study file BEAM_DOE_2.2.xml. Click Open.
Step 2: Add approximations for a regression equation.

In the following steps, you create approximations for the DOE study. A first order
regression equation for each response: max stress, max displacement, and volume are created
based on the DOE study. Since the design variables are of two levels, only the first order
equation can be generated.
1. Click on Create approximations under the Approximation heading.
2. Click the Add Approximation… button.
3. Make sure the option Add to all is selected.
This will add the same type of approximation to all responses.
Add Approximation dialog
5. Click Next> to go to input matrix branch.

The responses are shown with the approximation LSR_1 selected for MAX Stress.

Define approximations
6. Click Import Matrix… The matrix and results can come from a DOE study or can be edited
by the user on the fly.
7. Select the DOE_1 study from the pop-up dialog and click OK.
Importing the matrix from the DOE run

8. The matrix from the DOE is imported into the approximation branch.
Input matrix
9. Click Next > to go to Build approximation. Set the order of the regression model to 1, if the
Autobuild option is activated, the regression terms and coefficients will appear as shown
below. If it is not activated, click the build button. Do it for the 3 responses.
Build Approximation step
10. Select Next > to enter on Residuals branch.

The first tab shows a table with the difference between the response value from the solver
and the response value calculated from the regression equation. The residual plot can be
used to determine which runs are generating more errors in the regression model. The %
error shows that the predicted response is not close to the observed value. The % error can
be reduced if more levels are chosen for example.

Residuals tab
11. Select Scatter plot or Bar chart to see the variations of the residuals.
Scatter plot
Bar chart

12. Click Next > to display the trade-off tabs. This branch provides ways to visualize the
approximation and to perform trade-off studies using the approximations.
Trade-off 2D plots tab shows plots of response vs. design variable
Trade-off 3D plots tab shows plots of response vs. design variables
Trade-off Spreadsheet tab contains a spreadsheet for detailed trade-off studies

13. Click Next > to enter the Anova tab, which shows the contributing percent of each
parameter on the responses. The contributing percent should be consistent with the results
shown in the effects plot. The Anova tab (pictured below) shows the contributing percent of
each effect to the Max stress response. Note that the contributing percent due to the
interaction between length and height is higher than the percent due to the width.
Anova
From here, you can proceed to perform an optimization on the regression equations
obtained from the DOE study. For this exercise, you can stop here.
14. Close HyperStudy and save the study if you want to reopen it after to discuss the results.


Chapter 4: Optimization
Chapter 4
Structural Optimization
1 – Optimization Problem Statement

The goal of an optimization study is to find the optimal combination of parameters (design
variables) that best satisfies the stated objective function while satisfying the constraints.
Optimization can also be used to perform a system identification study, where the target
objective value is specified subject to constraints.
Mathematically an optimization problem can be stated as:
Objective Function: ψ0(p) ⇒ min(max) (target)
Subject to constraint Functions: ψi(p) ≤0
Design Space: pl ≤ p j ≤ p u
where l is the lower bound and u is the upper bound on the design variables
where:
ψ0(p) and ψi(p) represent the system responses or a target value for system identification
study, and pj represents the vector of design variables (p1,p2,…,pn).

1.1 – Optimization Definitions
Design Variables
System parameters that can be changed to improve the system performance.
Beam dimensions, material properties, diameter, number of bolts.
Objective Function
System responses that are required to be minimized (maximized). These responses are
functions of the design variables.
Mass, stress, displacement, frequency, pressure drop.
Constraint Functions
System requirements that need to be satisfied for the design to be acceptable. These
functions are also functions of the design variables.
Displacement, frequency, pressure drop, cost.
Feasible Design
A point or a design that satisfies all the constraints.
Infeasible Design
A design that violates one or more constraints.
Optimum Design
The point or design that minimized (maximized) the objective function and at the same
time satisfy all the constraints.

2 – Optimization Methods
HyperStudy offers six optimization engines:
o (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method
o (SQP) Sequential Quadratic programming
o (MFD) Method of Feasible Directions
o (GA) Genetic Algorithm
o (SORA) Sequential Optimization and Reliability Analysis
o (SORA-ARSM) – ARSM based SORA
o User Defined – Xopt
The Four first methods “ARSM, SQP, MFD and GA” are used for deterministic
optimizations and the other two “SORA and SORA-ARSM” are used to robust design. With
user-defined method, user’s can add their optimization algorithm with HyperStudy to perform
optimization.
2.1 – (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method

Surface Response methods are very general in that they can be used with any analysis
code, including non-linear analysis codes. These methods use higher order polynomials to
approximate the original structural optimization problem over a wide range of design variables.
You can create a sequential response surface update by linear steps or by quadratic
response surfaces. The process can also be used for non-linear physics and experimental
analysis using wrap-around software, which can link with various solvers.
HyperStudy uses a sequential response surface method. In this approach, the objective
and constraint functions are approximated in terms of design variables (x) using a second order
polynomial of the form:
Where NCON is the number of constraints, NDV is the number of design variables and Ai0, Aij,
Aijk are the polynomial coefficients.

The polynomial coefficients are determined using a least squares fit of the functions on to the
previous design points (actual non-linear analysis results).
The optimization procedure is as follows (with reference to the figure above):
1. Analyze the initial design and NDV perturbed designs (1+NDV).
2. A least square’s technique is used to determine the polynomial coefficients for the objective
and each of the constraint functions.
− If the number of designs (ND) analyzed is 1+NDV, the linear coefficients Ai0, Aij are
determined resulting in a linear response surface RS1.
− As each of the next NDV designs are analyzed, the quadratic coefficients, Aijk, are
determined.
− If the number of designs analyzed are 1+NDV+((NDV+1)*(NDV/2)), the designs are
weighed to calculate Ai0, Aij, Aijk coefficients to give the quadratic response surfaces.
3. Solve for the approximate optimum design using mathematical programming.
4. Analyze the approximate optimum design.
5. If the designs have converged (i.e. RS3 in the figure), stop here.
If the designs have not converged, go back to step 2. During each iteration a quadratic
response surface is estimated to reduce the error between the approximate and the actual
functions.
In general, more designs than required are available for an exact least squares fit. This makes
the system over determined. In order to overcome this situation, HyperOpt uses a very efficient
algorithm to estimate the response surface to be closer to certain designs of interest. HyperOpt
also uses move limits to make the optimization algorithm robust.

2.2 – (SQP) Sequential Quadratic programming

Sequential quadratic programming (SPQ) is a method for solving constrained
optimization problems. The fundamental principle behind this method is to create a quadratic
approximation of the Lagrangian and to solve that quadratic problem to define the search
direction s.
The constraints are linearized during the search. The following problem is solved:
This quadratic problem can be solved by a variety of methods. The solution of the
problem yields the search direction along which the next design that improves the objective
function and does not violate the constraint can be found.
The algorithm works as follows:
1. Initialize C = I.
2. Compute all gradients.
3. Solve the quadratic programming sub-problem.
4. Compute the Lagrange multipliers.
5. Search using an exterior penalty.
6. Check convergence.

2.3 – (MFD) Method of Feasible Directions

The method of feasible directions is one of the earliest methods for solving constrained
optimization problems. The fundamental principle behind this method is to move from one
feasible design to an improved feasible design. Hence, the objective function must be reduced
and the constraints at the new design point should not be violated.
The following problem is solved. Find a search direction s
such that the objective function reduces:
and the search is performed in the feasible domain:
Once the direction s is determined, a line search is performed to determine how far to
proceed.
This method involves the decomposition of the problem into the two following sub-
problems:
1. Search direction determination.
2. Step size determination.

2.4 – (GA) Genetic Algorithm

A genetic algorithm is a machine learning technique modeled after the evolutionary
process theory. Genetic algorithms differ from conventional optimization techniques in that the
work on a whole population of individual objects of finite length, typically binary strings
(chromosomes), which encode candidate solutions using a problem-specific representation
scheme. These strings are decoded and evaluated for their fitness, which is a measure of how
good a particular solution is. Following Darwin’s principle of survival of the fittest, strings with
higher fitness values have a higher probability of being selected for mating purposes to produce
the next generation of candidate solutions.
Selected individual design solutions are reproduced through the application of genetic
operators. A string selected for mating is paired with another string and, with a certain
probability, each pair of parents undergo crossover (sexual recombination) and mutation. The
strings that result from this process (the children) become members of the next generation of
candidate solutions.
This process is repeated for many generations in order to artificially force the evolution
of a population of strings that yield a solution to a given problem.
The main features of the genetic algorithm model that are implemented in HyperStudy
are:
o A small percentage of the population, the elite, is transferred unchanged to the next
generation.
o Population size will be calculated automatically according to the user defined
optimization problem. It can also be modified manually.
o Three crossover types exist: single point, two-point, and uniform. Single point
crossover creates an offspring by cutting both parent strings at the same randomly
selected position and swapping the sub-strings. For example, if Parent One is
presented as [Head One, Tail One] and Parent Two as [Head Two, Tail Two] then
Child One is [Head One, Tail Two] and Child Two is [Head Two, Tail One]. Similarly,
in the two-point crossover, two random positions of cuts are selected for both
parents, thus creating three-sub-strings which are swapped to create children.

Uniform crossover creates an offspring by copying bits from the corresponding

parents; each time the choice of the parent from which an individual bit is copied is
performed randomly and with equal probability.
Uniform crossover
o Tournament selection of a given sub-population size (typically, 2) selects the best

individual from a randomly chosen sub-population of contender strings. The
biological analogy is that the contenders in each sub-population compete with each
other and the winner is selected.
o If two strings are identical in any generation, one of them is deleted and a new one is
randomly created. This helps to prevent stagnation of the population and improves
diversity in the search.
o A string can undergo mutation (a random change of one bit of its binary code)
occasionally. The mutation frequency is controlled by the specified mutation rate.
o Fitness Function. For constrained optimization problems, an exterior penalty
function is adopted to transform a constrained optimization problem into an
unconstrained one. Penalty functions are defined in the exterior of the feasible
domain so that constraints are applied only when they are violated. The fitness
function is defined as follows:
[
f 0 (x ) + r ∑ max (g j (x ) − 1) ,0 ]
n
t
i =1
where f 0 (x ) is the normalized objective function, r is a penalty multiplier, and t

defines the type of the penalty function.
Genetic algorithms do not show the typical convergence of other optimization
algorithms. Users typically select a maximum number of iterations (generations) to
be evaluated. A number of solver runs is executed in each generation, with each run
representing a member of the population.
Aside from the maximum number of iterations (generations), the level of global
search will take care of the genetic algorithm convergence process. The basic
mechanism is the higher the global search level, the more stringent the convergence
criteria so that the process utilizes more of the probabilistic elements of the algorithm
to explore the entire design space.
Continuous variables are also treated as discrete. Users specify how many discrete
states are created by discretization of a continuous variable. The default is 1024
(2^10).

2.5 – (SORA) Sequential Optimization and Reliability Analysis

Sequential Optimization and Reliability Assessment (SORA) is an optimization algorithm
that makes it possible to manage random variables and set reliability targets on constraints.
It belongs to the Probabilistic optimization class, in which probabilistic information is
used to define uncertainties and to find optimal solutions for optimization problems taking these
uncertainties into account. SORA is, within these methods, a reliability-based optimization
method. It means the standard deterministic optimization problem is extended so as to take
uncertainties into account through the definition of target probabilities on the constraints.
The probabilistic optimization problem is formulated as follows:
Find d, µx
Minimizing f (d, x, p)
Subject to Prob{gi(d,x,p} > Ri (i=1,2, …,m)
with
d, the deterministic design variables (no uncertainties)
x, the random design variables (affect the design but are subject to uncertainties)
p, the pure random parameters (do not drive the design, i.e. cannot be changed during
the optimization)
SORA optimizations are available with HyperStudy through:

o Definition of deterministic or random design variables.
o For random design variables, use their mean value as variable.
o Definition of constraints to be either deterministic or random.
o For random constraints, define their target probabilities.
An extension of SORA is implemented in HyperStudy to allow for Robust design
optimization. It is based on the use of percentiles for the objective function and allows for an
optimization of the mean value of the objective together with a reduction of its standard
deviation.

2.6 – (SORA-ARSM) – ARSM based SORA

Adaptive Response Surface Method (ARSM) which is a powerful tool used to describe
model responses can be integrated into SORA to improve the efficiency. The optimization
process is carried out based on the approximation functions of model responses. The iterative
design points are used to update the approximation functions so that we can achieve higher
precision. The ARSM-based SORA is far more efficient than SORA, but remains an
approximation.
2.7 – User Defined – Xopt

HyperStudy allows user-defined optimizers to be used to perform optimization studies.
This section provides information to assist you in linking an external optimizer to HyperStudy.
When a user-defined method is select in HyperStudy, HyperOpt is invoked to manage
the optimization process using the external optimizer. HyperOpt manages the optimization by
providing information on problem definition to the external optimizer, initializing solver runs using
design variable values obtained from the external optimizer, and providing results from analyses
to the external optimizer. The external optimizer performs the optimization using problem
definition and analysis result information provided by HyperOpt. It determines when the
optimization has converged and relates this to HyperOpt, which then terminates the study.
See How Xopt Interfaces with HyperStudy for a description of the processes involved.

3 – Optimization Problem Example

Objective:
Weight: min m(b,h)
Design Variables:
Width: bL < b < bU, 20 < b < 40
Height: hL < h < hU, 30 < h < 90
Design Region: All beam elements
Design Constraints:
σ(b,h) ≤ σmax, with σmax = 160 MPa

τ(b,h) ≤ τmax, with τmax = 60 MPa
h ≤ 2*b
Design space

4 - HyperStudy Optimization Case Studies

Optimization studies are increasing in popularity. It provides added value to the baseline
study, it helps the engineer in understanding the physics of the problem, it allows exploration in
the design space.
The technology has been applied to full body crash. An example consists of an objective
to minimize mass using footwell intrusion displacements as constraints and several material
thickness values as design variables.
The technique has been applied to headform assessments. Initially it was used to
identify the worst attitude of impact. Once this is established the rib thickness of the crashbox is
determined.
Six case studies are presented. Two relating to structural crashworthiness, two relating
to occupant safety one example relate to computational fluid dynamics and the last one relate to
fatigue.
4.1 - Case Study 1: Rail Optimization

A box rail of length lx=800mm is clamped at the right side and is impacted by a moving
stone wall of mass 1,000kg and initial velocity 2m/s from the left side.
The rail is required to absorb the maximum internal energy within an analysis time of
ts=30ms. The displacement of the stone wall (x-direction) should be less than 50mm. The
problem is typical of the designs encountered in car bumpers and crash boxes
A size optimization is performed with six design variables consisting of variable
thickness patches. The initial thickness of all design variables was 2mm and could vary between
0.2mm and 3mm.

The HyperOpt optimization (Sequential Optimization) is compared against local

approximation and DOE approaches. Although structural behavior is similar, HyperOpt
maximizes the internal energy.
Design iteration history is presented showing the variation of the objective with the
constraint.
Optimization results

4.2 - Case Study 2: Roof Crush

The US standard FMVSS216 requires a certification which simulates the roll over of a
vehicle.
The certification test consists of moving an undeformable plate into an A-pillar at a
constant velocity and the load / displacement response monitored.
The objective is to minimize the mass of the design and still ensure that the applied load
meets the certification requirement. The design variables consist of five material thicknesses in
the A-pillar and the roof frame.
Analysis description
Variation of the Normalized Constraint with Time

4.3 - Case Study 3: Airbag

Airbag impactor test requires the HIC not be exceeding 1000. The impactor should not
displace more than 260mm. The design variables are vent orifice area, fabric permeability,
ignition time and mass flow rate of the gas
The test set-up consists of allocating an initial velocity to the impactor
After twenty-two iterations the HIC has been considerably reduced
Analysis description
Deflection and HIC criteria results for the first and last design.

HIC and Deflection variation during the optimization process

4.4 - Case Study 4: Knee Bolster Design

This study considers the occupant behavior to determine the initial package space for a
knee bolster. The model consists of the lower extremities of the dummy.
The dummy is loaded by an acceleration pulse a x (t ) resulting from the crash test in
accordance with FMVSS208.
The objective is to minimize the femur load with a limit on the knee penetration into the
knee bolster. The design variables consist of geometric and stiffness parameters
Optimization Problem:
Objective: Minimize Femur Load: min(F femur (Δθ , Δk x , Δl x , Δl z , Δα ))
Constraint: Knee Penetration: δ (Δθ , Δk x , Δl x , Δlz , Δα ) ≤ 0.07m
Design Variables: Geometric and Stiffness Parameters (Δθ , Δk x , Δl x , Δlz , Δα )

Left window shows Optimum vs. initial design and on the right window the optimization history result.
DESIGN LOWER UPPER OPTIMAL

VARIABLE BOUND BOUND VALUE
Δϑ °
-10.00 10.00 -10.00
Δk x
-0.10 0.07 -0.10
Δl x
-0.05 0.03 0.03
Δl z
-0.05 0.05 0.05
Δα °
-5.00 5.00 -4.65
Design Variable results

4.5 - Case Study 5: Exhaust System Design
Model description
Objective: Uniform flow velocity in section S

Average velocity
Local deviation:
Uniformity-Index:
Constraint: Pressure drop between inflow and outflow
6 Design variables

Results
Initial vs. Optimum design
γ = +12%
ΔP = −16 %
Initial Final
Flow Velocity in Section S
Velocity contour at the reference plane

4.6 - Case Study 6: Notch Design
Model description (Loads & Boundary Conditions)
Static load Dynamic load
Stress results for the initial design
Maximum Damage for the initial design

Handles used to define the shape design variable
Shape design variable

STRESS BASED OPTIMIZATION

Minimize maximum stress at notch edge
Both load cases considered
Shapes scaled +/- 1
Optimization History
Stress results for the stress based optimization
Damage
Damage deteriorated!

DAMAGE BASED OPTIMIZATION

Minimize maximum damage
Both load cases considered
Shapes scaled +/- 1
Optimization history
Final design (Damage significantly reduced)

5 – General Discussion
o Optimization commences once a clean baseline analysis has been performed (eg.
negligible hourglassing and sliding energies)
o Care with shape variables: large perturbations can result in a reduced time step size
o Mass scaling used with shape optimization should be used with caution. Particularly
if the objective is to minimize mass
o For size optimization, numerical contact can be effected by changing the thickness.
Workaround by keeping the contact thickness constant
o Technology can be simultaneously applied to multiple loadcases (eg. central /
oblique impact attitudes)
o Changes in design variables can result in a completely different system response
(eg. components not in contact may now contact)
o Original analysis duration may extend to capture the systems response optimization
o Computational time can be a barrier with each iteration requiring a complete explicit
analysis
o Convergence is quickly achieved
o Optimized design can be conveniently restarted with new design variables or further
optimization starting at a new position in the response surface

Exercise 4.1: Shape and Size Optimization of a Rail Joint

This exercise runs a combined shape/size optimization with HyperStudy using RADIOSS
as the solver. The DOE study for this exercise was performed in Chapter 2. Post-processing
the DOE results indicated that for the two responses (volume and von Mises stress at element
2886), all three variables contribute significantly then we intend to run an optimization process
that will take advantage from DOE and approximation we have already performed with this
component.
This exercise uses the model file: rail_joint_with_Shape.hm and the approximation study
from the exercise 3.1.
RADIOSS Bulk model
Problem Statement
o 3 DVs
PSHELL.T.1 { X0 = 1.5, XL = 1, XU = 2}
tube.T.1 { X0 = 1.5, XL = 1, XU = 2}
Sh1.S { X0 = 1, XL = -5, XU = 5}
o Two Responses
Volume => Objective Function (Min)
Von Mises Stress (Element 2886) => Constraint Function < 220 MPa
Problem Setup
Copy the study files from the exercise 3.1 to the directory where you will run this exercise.
• Directories: nom_run, DOE and approximation.
• Files: rail_joint_with_Shape.hm, RAIL_JOINT_APPROX_study.xml.

Step 1: Load files into HyperMesh.

Profiles dialog.
3. Click File >Open… and browse to find the rail_joint_with_Shape.hm file.

4. Click open.
Step 2: Load a saved study into HyperStudy.

2. In the HyperStudy window, click Add Study… > Select From File… and pick the file
RAIL_JOINT_APPROX_study.xml
All existing DOE study data and approximation functions are automatically loaded and the
tree should looks like the following figure:

Step 3: Define the optimization setup.

3. Click on Create optimization study in the study tree on the left-hand side.
4. Click Add Optimization.
5. Click on OK to accept the default Label and Variable names.
6. Make sure (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method is chosen as the optimization
engine.
7. Click Next >.
8. Make sure all three design variables are checked and have their respective values.
9. Click Next >.
Step 4: Define optimization constraints.

10. Click Add constraint....
12. Under Define Constraint, select von Mises for Apply Constraint On:.
13. Select <= for Bound Type
14. Type in 220 under Bound Value.
15. Select LSR_1 for Evaluate From.
16. Click Next >.

Step 5: Define the objective function.

17. Click Add Objective.
19. Make sure volume is chosen for Apply on and Evaluate Form is set to LSR_1.
20. Click Launch Optimization.
An option to consider or ignore the nom run results is displayed.
21. Click on Yes to include the nominal run results as the starting point for optimization.
22. After the optimization is complete, click Next > to post-process the results.
Optimization Iteration History Plot and Table
23. Click File > Save Current Study As and save RAIL_JOINT_OPTIM_study.xml.
24. Click File > Exit, a pop-up window will ask if you want to save the study, say NO because
you have already saved on the step above.
25. On HyperMesh Click File > Exit to finish this exercise.

Exercise 4.2: Size Optimization Study using RADIOSS

This exercise sets up a size optimization for HyperStudy with RADIOSS as the finite
element solver. The RADIOSS Bulk input file is first parameterized using the Templex Editor
option on the Utilities menu. The parameterization establishes the thickness of three PSHELLs
as the design variables for size optimization. The input file, plate.fem, for this exercise is
located on the training directory.
Plate FEA model (plate.fem file)
Problem Statement
o 3 DVs
Th1{ X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.05, XU = 0.15}
Th2{ X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.05, XU = 0.15}
Th3 { X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.05, XU = 0.15}
o Two Responses
Volume => Objective Function (Min)
Max Von Mises Stress => Constraint Function < 24 MPa
Problem Setup
You should copy this file from the model files directory: plate.fem

Step 1: Create a parameterized input file.

1. Launch HyperStudy form the start menu.
2. Click Utilities > Editor.
3. Click File > Open….
4. Browse for the file plate.fem and click Open.
5. From the pull down menu Design > Format > Design Variable Selection Format.
This will lunch the DV Format window:
6. Fill the values as showed above.
Bounds = initial value ±: 20 It will make the default bounds to the DV to be setup to ±
20% of the initial value.
Selector: 8 this assures that when a property is selected, exactly eight

fields are selected, since OptiStruct assigns 8 space for
every field in the card.
Selector’s decimal: 5 this setup the precision used to represent the DV, on this
case 5 decimals.
Variable name prefix: DV_ it will be used as a default prefix for all new DVs.
7. Click OK.
8. From the pull down menu set Design > Format > Fixed.
9. Click Edit > Find….
10. Type PSHELL and click Find twice.
11. Click Cancel in the Find box.
12. Click on 0.1 for the first PSHELL card.
13. Click again while pressing the CTRL key.
The eight fields, along with 0.1, are highlighted.

14. Click Design > Create Design Variable….

15. For Name: enter, DV_Th1; Label: thick1; Lower bound: 0.05; Upper bound: 0.15.
17. Click OK.

18. Repeat this process for the second and third PSHELL with labels of Th2, Th3 and variables
as thick2 and thick3, respectively.
19. Click Design > Show Templex….
20. Click File > Save As and on file name type plate.tpl, and save the file in your study
directory.
21. Click File > Quit.
Step 2: Create the study setup.

1. Click Add Study… in the HyperStudy interface.
2. Select New….
3. Click OK.
4. Click on the open folder icon under study directory: and define the study directory.
5. Activate the Autosave study file in study directory check box to save a study file
automatically.
6. Click Next.
8. Make sure the Model Type: is Template.

9. Click OK to accept the default name and variable.

10. Click on the open folder icon under Template file and the load the plate.tpl template
file.
11. Click Next >.
Create DVs is highlighted in the study tree. The dialog box displays three design variables:
thick1, thick2, and thick3 with an initial value of 0.1 and lower and upper bounds of 0.05
and 0.15, respectively.
12. Click Next> to access the Do nominal run dialog.

13. Under the Solver input file, type plate.fem.
14. Select RADIOSS as the Solver execution script.
15. Click Write followed by Execute
or
Write/Execute to launch the nominal run.
16. Click Next >.

17. Click Add Response, and type in Max von Mises as the label for the first response.
18. Click OK.
19. Click Add Response, and type in volume as the label for the second response.
20. Click OK.
21. Click Max von Mises under Responses:.
22. Click on Response Expression:
23. Click Add to add a vector.
24. Click on the open folder icon under Vector resource file.
25. Double-click on the m_1 folder and select the file plate.h3d.
26. Click Functions and scroll to select resvector.
27. Click OK.
28. Under Response Expression, set up the response as:
max(resvector("m_1/plate.h3d",2,0,612,0,0,0)).
The model directory name m_1 needs to be specified in the path to the file name plate.res.
This picks up the maximum von Mises stress in the model.
• m_1/plate.h3d is your file

• 2 it is the VON Mises position

• 0 start_request (first element 1)
• 612 end_request (Last element 613)
• 0,0,0 Not used fields for this response.

29. Activate Evaluate response expression.
It should display a value of 25.9234.
30. Deactivate Evaluate response expression and click OK.

31. Click volume to highlight under Responses:.
32. Click Expr Builder… under Response Expression:
33. Click Add to add the second vector.
34. Click on the open folder icon under Vector resource file.
35. Double-click on the m_1 folder and select the file plate.out.
36. Select the following:
Type: OptiStruct Analysis
Request Out file
Component Volume
37. Click Apply.
38. Check Evaluate response expression.
232.384 should be displayed.
39. Deactivate Evaluate response expression and click OK.

This completes the basic study setup. The next step is to create an optimization study and
to assign responses to the objective function and constraints.
Step 3: Create an optimization study.

1. Click Continue To….
2. Select Optimization Study.
3. Click Add Optimization….


5. Select (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method as the Optimization engine.
6. Click Next > to select the design variables to be used for optimization.
In this problem, all of the design variables are used for optimization.
7. Click Next >
Step 4: Create a constraint and the objective functions.

1. Click Add constraint….
3. Under Define constraints, Apply constraint on: make sure Max von Mises is selected.
4. Select Bound Type as <= .
5. For Bound value enter a value of 24.
6. Click Next >
7. Make sure Objective: is set to Minimize.
8. Click Add Objective.
10. Make sure Apply On is set to volume.
11. Select Job Management… from Tools on the menu bar.
12. Select the Optimization Study tab.
13. Select Background mode.
14. Click OK.
15. Click Launch Optimization.
Step 5: Post-process the optimization runs.

1. Click Next to access the post-processing page.
2. Under the Optimization Iteration History Plot tab, check to see the objective function and
constraint changing through each iteration.

Optimization Iteration History tab
3. Under Optimization Iteration History Table tab, check to see the best run for this
optimization.
4. From the File menu, select Save Current Study As and save plate_opti.xml under
your exercise directory, then close HyperStudy.

Exercise 4.3: Optimization Study Using an Excel Spreadsheet

This exercise demonstrates how to perform an optimization study where the design
variables and the responses are defined and calculated in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The
Excel (hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls) file can be found at the training directory and
copied to your working directory.
This exercise uses the model file: hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls.
P = 250 N
Excel spreadsheet model
Problem Statement
o 2 DVs
Width { X0 = 0.05, XL = 0.04, XU = 0.06}
Height { X0 = 0.1, XL = 0.09, XU = 0.11}
o Two Responses
Max Displacement < 0.35 mm
Volume (min)
The objective is to find the cross-sectional dimensions, width, and height of a beam that
minimizes the beam volume while keeping the tip deflection below 0.35 mm.
The spreadsheet used here contains two design variables along with their initial values.
It also calculates the tip deflection and the volume.
Problem Setup
Copy the file hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls to your working directory and
change the read only status of this file.

Step 1: To Create a Matrix Input that HyperStudy can Evaluate:

1. Open the spreadsheet hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls in Excel.
2. Review the information. Find the columns with the design variables and the ones with the
responses.
3. Make certain that the Trusted publishers check boxes are enabled under Tools > Macros
> Security.
4. From the Tools pull-down menu, select Add-Ins, and make sure the hw_hst_genpdd.xla
add-in is added and enabled.
If it is not, browse to %ALTAIR_HOME%\templates\hst\hw_hst_genpdd.xla to add it.
5. Close Excell.
Step 2: To Perform the Study Setup:

1. Open HyperStudy in standalone mode.
2. Click Add Study….
3. Select New….
4. Click OK.
5. Click on open folder icon under study directory select the \EXCEL_STUDY directory you
want to use.
This will be your working directory where HyperStudy will save all files used at this study.
6. Click Next > to continue to the Create models window.

7. Click Add model….
8. From the combo box, pick Model type: Spreadsheet.
9. Click OK.
Model_1 is added to the list.
10. Select hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls, as the Template file using the file browser in
the upper right of the window.
This will open the spreadsheet hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet.xls.
11. Click Next > to continue to the Create design variables window.
13. Select the cells with design variable names and values like shown below.

14. Click OK.

15. Select the cells with response names and values.
16. Click OK.

17. Excel will show a popup window informing that the spreadsheet was saved with success.
Click OK.
You have now added the design variables and responses to the study.
18. Click Next > to continue to the Do nominal run window.

19. In the Solver input Files field, you will see hst_tut_1070_spreadsheet_input.csv.
This is the name of the input file created by HyperStudy for the solver. You will also see the
SpreadSheet_HST from the drop-down menu as the Solver execution script. You do not
need to edit the Solver input arguments field.
Step 3: To Perform the Base Run:

1. Click Write and then Execute.
or
Write/Execute.
A nom_run/m_1/ directory is created inside the study directory. In this directory, you will
see the file sse_output.csv which is the results file of the nominal run.
2. Click Next >.

The Create responses panel is displayed.
Step 4: To Create a Response:

1. Click Add Response….
2. Click Apply two times to create two responses.
3. Left and then right click Response_1.
4. Change the name to Tip Deflection.
This response will be used as the objective function.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Expr. Builder.
The HyperStudy - Response Expression Builder window appears.

A result vector called Vector 1 is added.
8. Use Browse.... to choose the Vector resource file that contains the result of interest, which
for Vector 1 is the file sse_output.csv file under ~/nom_run/m_1.
9. Define Vector 1 as the values in column C, row 15 of your spreadsheet by choosing the
following options:
Type: Unknown
Request: Block 1
Component: Deflection at the tip (mm)

11. Edit the Response expression and enter v_1[0].
12. Click the Evaluate response expression box.
The expression v_1[0] should change to 0.380952.
13. Click OK.

14. Left and then right click Response_2.
15. Change the name to Volume.
This response will be used as the constraint.
16. Click OK.

17. Click Expr. Builder.
A result vector called Vector 2 is added.
19. Use Browse... to choose the Vector resource file that contains the result of interest, which
for Vector 2 is the sse_output.csv file under ~/nom_run/m_1.
20. Define Vector 2 as the values in column C, row 16 of your spreadsheet by choosing the
following options:
Type: Unknown
Request: Block 1
Component: Beam Volume(m^3)

22. Edit the Response expression and enter v_2 [0].
23. Click the Evaluate response expression box.

The expression v_2[0] should change to 0.01.
24. Click OK.
Step 5 :To Run the Optimization Study:

1. Click on the blank box for Create optimization study in the navigation tree.
3. Click OK.
4. In the upper right of the window, select the Optimization Engine: (ARMS) Adaptive
Response Surface Method.
5. Click Next > to continue to the Define design variables dialog.
This allows you to review your design variables.
6. Change the Initial values, Lower bounds, and Upper bounds for DesignVariable_1, and
DesignVariable_2 to 0.05, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.1, 0.09, 0.11, respectively.
7. Click Next > to continue to the Constraints dialog.
8. Click Add constraint….
9. Click OK.
10. From the drop down field for Apply Constraint… On, select Tip Deflection.
11. Set a limit of 0.35 using the Bound Type <= (less than or equal to).
12. Click Next > to continue to the Objectives dialog.
13. Click Add objective….
14. Click OK.
15. From the Apply On drop down field, select Volume.
16. From the Objective: drop down field, select Minimize.
None of the optimization parameters need to be changed.
17. Click Launch optimization to launch the optimization.

HyperStudy will ask you if you want to skip the first run, for this kind of model the first run
doesn’t add any extra time, then you can decide either to run again or skip.
Step 6: To View the Iteration History of an Optimization Study:

1. Use the file browser in Optimization results plot file: to select the file opt_1.hgres from
the study directory.
2. Click Open.

The file is loaded.
In each of the Optimization Iteration History Plot and Optimization Iteration History
Table tabs, boxes are displayed with the labels of the respective functions.
3. Click a check box to display the appropriate iteration history.
Objective Convergence
Constraint Convergence
4. Click on Optimization iteration History Table to see how the DVs and responses have
change during the optimization process.

Optimization Table Convergence

Exercise 4.4: Shape Optimization Study using HyperForm

This exercise demonstrates how to run a shape optimization using HyperStudy with the
HyperForm GUI and RADIOSS one-step solver. The input file is loaded to HyperForm and
the shape of the design variables are set up using HyperMorph. The model file hat.hf can be
found at the training directory.
Hat FEA model
Model Information
o 2 DVs
sh1.S { X0 = 0, XL = -1.5, XU = 1.5}
sh2.S { X0 = 0, XL = 1.5, XU = 1.5}
o One Response
Objective Function: Min (FLD)
Problem Setup
Copy the file hat.hf to your working directory.

Step 1: Load a file into HyperForm.

1. Launch HyperForm.
2. Load the 1Step user profile under Manufacturing Solutions from the User Profile dialog on
start-up, or from the Preferences menu, select User Profiles.
3. Click File>Open….
4. Retrieve the hat.hf.
Step 2: Create shape variables in HyperMorph.

1. Click on the Model Browser tab
2. Right click on Plot list and select Hide
3. Click on HyperMorph.
4. Click domains.
5. Go to subpanel partitioning.
6. Make sure that the toggle is set to curvature based.
7. Enter 5.0000 in the curve tolerance = field.
8. Go back to create subpanel.
9. Switch to 2D domains.
10. Make sure that the element section toggle is set to all elements.
11. Click create.

2D domains
12. Click return.

13. Click morph.
This takes you to the panel where the shape of the mesh is morphed. The goal here is to
create two design variables that represent the radius of the two fillets.
14. Go to alter dimensions subpanel.

15. Switch the top selector to radius=.
16. Click on the section switch below center calculation and switch to by edges.
17. Click on domains under edges only: and select the fillets on the top of the part like shown
on the figure below.
Selecting curved edges
18. Set radius= to 2.0000.

19. Click morph.

First shape
20. Go to save as shape subpanel.

21. Enter sh1 into shape =, this will be the first DV.
22. Click save.
23. Click undo to prepare for the generation of the next shape.
24. Click the alter dimensions radio button.
25. Make sure that the top switcher is set to radius =.
26. Set the bottom switcher below the domains button to fillet.
27. Select the two curved edges on the other fillet.
28. Type in radius = to 2.0000.
29. Click morph.
The second shape is generated.
30. Go to save as shape subpanel.

31. Enter sh2 for shape =.
32. Click save.
33. Click undo to return to the original shape.
34. Click return.
35. Click File > Save As… enter with hatDV.hf for the file name.
36. Click save.

Step 3: Create a study setup.

1. To invoke HyperStudy, click Applications > HyperStudy from the menu.
2. In HyperStudy, click Add study… >> New….
The Add Study dialog is displayed.
4. Click on the open folder icon and select the study directory.
5. Click Next >.
6. Click Add model….
7. Select HyperMesh as the Model type:.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Next >.
Step 4: Add design variables for the study.

The Model Parameters dialog is displayed.
2. In the model tree, open the Shape collector.

3. Select the two shapes by double-clicking on sh1.S, and sh2.S.

4. Click OK.
5. Select the first row under Shape, which contains information pertaining to sh1.S.
6. Enter –1.5 in the Lower bound: text field,
7. Enter 1.5 in the Upper bound: text field.
8. Turn on both marks Apply to all selected items.
9. Click twice on sh1.S
10. Select the second row, which contains information pertaining to sh2.S.
11. Repeat steps 6 to 9.
12. Click OK
13. Click Next >.
14. In the Solver input file field, enter hat.parm.
This is the name of the input file created by HyperStudy for RADIOSS solver.
15. Choose RADIOSS from the drop down menu as the Solver execution script.
The input to RADIOSS HAVE TO HAVE THE EXTENSION (.PARM) hat.parm, this is
used internally to define that the analysis is a one step forming. You do not need to edit the
Solver input arguments field.
16. Click Write and Execute.

or
Click Write/Execute.
The file hat.dat written under the nom_run directory inside the study directory contains
the FLD for the given data. A vector for the thickness change of each element can also be
extracted from this file.
17. Click Next >.
Step 5: Create responses for the study.

1. Click Add Response.
2. Rename the response Label to FLD.
3. Click OK.
4. Click FLD.
5. Click Expr Builder.

The HyperStudy - Response Expression Builder window is displayed.

This adds a result vector called Vector 1.
7. Click the open folder icon , under the Vector resource file field and select the hat.dat
file present in the m_1 folder.
8. Define Vector 1 as the internal energy of the model by choosing the following options from
the pull-down menus in the lower right-hand section of the Vectors tab:
Type: HyperForm Results
Request: FLD
Component: Thickness Strain
9. Click Functions... (at the bottom of the panel).

10. In the Functions window, choose max.
11. Click OK.
max() is displayed in the Response expression field.
Vector 1 is still highlighted.
12. Click Apply to use this vector in the Response expression field.
The Expression field should now display the expression max(v_1), which is the only
response for this exercise.

The expression max(v_1) should change to 12.3.
14. Click OK to exit the Response Expression Builder window.

15. Click Next > twice to reach the end of Study setup section.

1. Click Continue to… and select Optimization study.
4. In the upper right of the window select the (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method
as the Optimization engine.
5. Click Next > to continue to the Define design variables dialog.

This allows you to review your design variables.
6. Click Next > to continue to the Constraints dialog.

No constraints are defined in this optimization.
7. Click Next > to continue to the Objectives dialog.
Step 7: Define an objective function.

1. Click Add objective.
2. Click OK.
3. Select FLD from the drop-down field below Apply On.
4. Select Minimize in the Objective: drop-down field.
5. Select Solver from the drop-down field below Evaluate From.
6. Under the Basic Parameters tab, change the following values:
Maximum iterations 25
Absolute convergence (%) 0.001
Relative convergence (%) 1.0%
Constraint violation tol. (%) 1e-14%
Design variable convergence 0.001
7. Click Launch Optimization to launch the optimization.

The following dialog pops up.
8. Click No to proceed with the optimization run.

9. After the optimization has finished, click Next > to continue to the Post-processing dialog.
Step 8: Review the optimization results.

1. After some time you should see this convergence plot:

2. And this message:

HyperOpt optimizer achieved convergence.
Absolute change in objective function over two last iterations is

smaller than 1.230E-02, relative change is smaller than 1.000E-02
and max. constraint violation is below permitted level
Optimization study ( opt_1 ) completed.
This means that your optimization process is completed because the change on your
objective function on the last 2 iterations is lower than the absolute and relative targets you
have setup.
3. Look at the Optimization Iteration History Table
You can see that he sh2 and sh1 values during the iteration and the responses values too.
To see the converged model shape, use HF to import the model file at run16 folder.
4. The model should look like it shown on the figure bellow:


Exercise 4.5: Shape Optimization Study using ABAQUS

The exercise in this section runs a shape optimization with HyperStudy using ABAQUS
as the finite element solver. The input file link.hm used to create the optimization study is the
training directory.
Abaqus FEA model example
Problem Statement
o 3 DVs
Shape1 { X0 = 3.5, XL = 0, XU = 7}
Shape2 { X0 = 6.5, XL = 0, XU = 13}
Shape3 { X0 = 6.5, XL = 0, XU = 13}
o Two Responses
Mass => Objective Function (Min)
Von Mises Stress (Elements 202,203,208,209) => Constraint Function < 200
MPa
The objective of this optimization study is to minimize the mass of a link, which is connected to a
shaft, given the stress design constraint of 200MPa at high stress areas. Due to symmetrical
geometry, only a quarter of the link is modeled, and the shaft is modeled using gap elements.
The boundary constraint is applied at the shaft, and an axial uniform load of 500N is applied at
the center span of the link, as shown in the following images.
Problem Setup
Copy the link.hm file from the training directory to your working directory.

The file link.hm holds the shape setup for the definition of the shape design variables in
HyperMesh using HyperMorph. The following images show the definition of three shape design
variables, which are the shape changes on the outer boundary of the link.
Shape 1
Shape 2
Shape 3

Step 1: Add the ABAQUS solver to HyperStudy.

HyperStudy has three solvers by default: OptiStruct, Templex, and HyperForm. In order
to add other finite element solvers, a line must be added to the HyperStudy preference file that
provides the solver path.
2. Click Tools on the menu bar and select Register Solver Script….
3. Click Add….
4. Enter abaqus for Label:.
5. Enter abaqus for Variable:.
6. For Script:, click on the open folder icon and select

<abaqus installation dir>/commads/abaqus.bat for Windows or <abaqus
installation dir>/commands/abaqus.sh for UNIX.
7. Click OK.
The ABAQUS solver is now attached for this session. The solver is not saved if HyperStudy
is exited and re-opened. If the solver needs to be saved for future sessions, it must be
saved to the HyperStudy preference file.
To save the solver to the HyperStudy preference file, click Save As… and provide a name,
for example, userprefs.mvw. Be sure not to overwrite the system preferences file, which
is by default located in the <altair_installation_dir>/<hst> directory. In UNIX, the
preference file can also be located in a user's home directory or the working directory from
which HyperStudy was launched.
From the File menu, choose Set Preference File... and select the preferences file that you
just saved. HyperStudy reads the default preferences file in the installation directory,
followed by the preference file that you specify. This ensures that all readers and import
templates are available.
Note that you can also write and register custom .bat and UNIX files.
8. Click Close to close the GUI.
Step 2: Setup shape variables in HyperMesh.

1. Start HyperMesh and choose Abaqus with Standard2D in the User Profiles dialog.
2. Click Files > Open….

3. Browse to open the file link.hm that you have copied to your working directory.

4. Click Export icon at the Standard tool bar.

This will open the Export tab, chose the working directory for this exercise to export the
Abaqus input file.
5. Click Export link.inp.

6. Click on the Tool page.
7. Click on shape panel.
8. Select the desvar radio button.
9. Toggle from single desvar to multiple desvars.
10. Click shapes and select shape1, shape2, and shape3; click return.
11. Verify the initial value is 0.0, lower bound is -1.0 and upper bound is 1.0.
12. Click create.
Three design variables are created for the three shapes created with HyperMorph. The next
step is to visualize the animations of three shapes.
Step 3: Visualize animations.

1. Click animate.
2. Make sure the Simulation = is SHAPE - shape1(4) and data type = is Perturbation
Vector.
3. Click linear.
4. Check the animations for second and third shapes.
5. Click return.
6. Choose the export radio button.
7. Change the analysis code: to HyperStudy.

8. Change the sub-code: to Abaqus2D.

9. Click export as… and type link.shp under the training directory.
10. Click Save.
11. Click return.
12. Click File > Exit from the pull down menu to exit HyperMesh.
This step writes these two files: link.abaqus2D.node.tpl and link.shp. They contain
the parameterized nodal coordinates in ABAQUS format. On the next step we will replace
the node coordinates from the ABAQUS input file link.inp with parameterized nodal
coordinates from link.abaqus2D.node.tpl file.
Step 4: Create parameterizations using the Create Template option.

2. From the Utilities menu, select Editor.
3. Under the Editor window, click File > Open….
4. Pick the file link.inp.
5. Click Open.
6. Select all node information (excluding the *NODE line).
7. Click Design on the menu bar and select Shape Template….
8. Pick link.abaqus.node.tpl file you have created at the step 3.
9. Click Open.
10. Click Design > Show Templex
11. Click No on the Generate templex file popup window.
12. From the pull down menu select File > Save As... to export the parameterized file as
link.tpl file.
13. Click again File > Quit to exit the Editor.
This step completes parameterizing nodal coordinates for ABAQUS shape optimization.
Step 5: Create a study setup for optimization.

1. Click Add Study….
2. Choose New….

4. Click the open folder icon and browse to your working directory to define it as the
study directory.
5. Click Next >.
7. Make sure the Model type: is Template file.
8. Click OK to accept the default Label: and Variable:
9. Click the open folder icon and load the link.tpl as the Template file.
10. Click Next >.
Step 6: Modify the design variables.

1. Set the arrow to Shape 1.
2. Verify the value is 0.0 in the Lower Bound: text box. If it is not, set it to 0.0.
3. Verify or set the value in the Upper Bound: text box to 7.0.
4. Verify or set the value in the Initial: text box to 3.5.

5. Click the empty box to the left of the On column to set the arrow to Shape 2.
6. Verify or set the value in the Lower Bound: text box to 0.0.
7. Verify or set the value in the Upper Bound: text box to 13.0.
8. Verify or set the value in the Initial: text box to 6.5.

9. Click the empty box to the left of the On column to set the arrow to Shape 3.
10. Repeat steps 6 through 8.
11. Click Next >.
Step 7: Invoke the ABAQUS solver to perform the base run.

1. Under the Solver input file column text box, enter link.inp.
This is the input file name for the ABAQUS solver.
2. In the Solver Execution Script column, scroll down and select Abaqus or the name you
assigned in your preferences file.

3. In the Input file and the Solver input arguments column, use job=link interactive
for the ABAQUS solver.
This setup is based on the assumption that <abaqus installation dir>/abq.bat is
registered as the solver. Refer to the on-line help or contact Altair support for help in setting
up the solver.
4. To perform the base run, click Write and Execute

Or
Write/Execute.
The write action creates a nom_run directory under the study directory and a link.inp
under nom_run directory. The execute action executes the customized batch within the
nom_run directory and produces ABAQUS result files: link.dat, link.fil, and
link.odb.
ABAQUS does not overwrite the result files by default. Therefore, be sure
result files do not already exist prior to executing the base run. If the result
! files do exist, HyperStudy may freeze. If you don’t have a ABAQUS license
or installation available you can copy the nom_run directory from the
model files directory.
5. Click Next >.
Step 8: Define the responses for the optimization.

1. Click Add Response… to create a response.
2. Name this response mass.
3. Click OK.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to create a second, third, fourth, and fifth response with the
following names:
von mises 202
von mises 203
von mises 208
von mises 209
5. Click mass.
6. Click Response Expr Builder.
7. Click Extracts tab

8. Click Add.
9. Click Open folder icon and browse for the file link.dat inside the nom_run\m_1
directory.
10. Click on keyword text field, enter MASS ASSOCIATED WITH DIRECTION:
11. Click Search.
12. Click Offset:, enter 97.
13. Click Length:, enter 13.

14. Click on Apply button on the right side of the text field Length.
15. Click now on the other Apply button below variable table.

16. Activate the Evaluated expression check box.

2.1859e-005 is displayed.
17. Click OK.

18. Click on von mises 202.
19. Click Expr Builder.
20. Click Add to add the result vector, vector 1, to the dialog.
21. Click Browse... to add the result from the nom_run directory.
22. Select the file link.odb and click Open.

This file contains the average element von Mises stress.
23. Select:
Subcase: STEP-1: STATIC LOAD
Type: S - Stress Components (PART-1-1)
Request: E202

Component: Mises
24. Click Apply. v_1 is displayed in the Response Expression field.

25. Activate the Evaluate Response Expression check box.
HyperStudy issues a warning because the vector contains more than one component.
26. Deactivate the Evaluate Response Expression check box and edit the Response
Expression field to display: v_1[1].
This value represents the von Mises stress in element 202.
27. Click Evaluate Response Expression again.

A value of 744.752 is displayed.
28. Click OK.

29. Repeat steps 15 through 24 for the remaining von Mises responses. Make sure to have a
different vector for each response.
Note The values of the stresses in elements 203, 208, and 209 are: 763.78, 736.58, and
738.164, respectively.
This completes the study setup for ABAQUS shape optimization.

1. Click Continue To… and select Optimization Study.
2. Click Add Optimization.
3. Click Ok.
Make sure the Optimization engine is (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method.
4. Click Next >.

Make sure the design variables are correct.
5. Click Next >.
Step 10: Define optimization constraints.

1. Click Add constraint.
2. Edit the label to reflect the type of constraint, stress_202 in this case.
3. Click OK.
4. Scroll down to von Mises 202 for Apply constraint on:.
5. Click Less than.

6. Enter 750.0 in the text box.

7. Repeat step 1 through 6 for von mises 203, von mises 208 and von mises 209 responses.
8. Click Next >.
Step 11: Define the objective function.

1. Click Add Objective….
2. Edit the label as mass in the text box.
3. Click OK.
Make sure Objective is Minimize.
4. Select mass as the response to be minimized.

5. Modify the following optimization parameters:
Maximum number of iteration: 25
Constraint violation tolerance (%) 0.5
Relative convergence (%) 1
6. Click Lunch Optimization to launch optimization analysis.

If you don’t have a ABAQUS license or installation available you can
! copy the optimization directory from the model files directory.
7. Click No on the popup window.
8. Click Next to post-process the results.
The final shape is shown below.
Final shape

Stress and mass convergence
Optimization Iteration History Table

Chapter 5: Stochastic
Chapter 5
Stochastic Studies
1 – Introduction
Stochastic Methods (also called statistical or probabilistic methods) are used to measure
uncertainty in any system. Any physical system has a certain degree of uncertainty associated
with it. For a structural system, uncertainty can be associated with the material properties,
geometry of the design, and the loading and boundary conditions. Stochastic analysis of
structural systems measures the effect of these uncertainties on system performance. The
performance of a system is defined in terms of probability of success or probability of failure,
rather than by a deterministic value.
2 – Random Variables
Design variables can be characterized statistically using various statistical distributions.
A design variable, when used in a statistical sense, is labeled a random variable. In ordinary
usage, the term "random variable" indicates that the value this variable will take is unknown, but
in a statistical sense, it is precisely known what values this variable will take and the probability
associated with that value.
Design variables exhibit different properties depending on the parameter they represent.
Some variables may be symmetric about the mean value, while others may be skewed toward
either the left or right. Some variables may be bounded on either side or unbounded.
The first way to categorize a random variable is to determine whether the variable is
continuous or discrete. A random variable is considered continuous if it can assume any value
in a given interval. A random variable is considered discrete if it can only assume a countable
set of values within a given interval.

2.1 – Example of Random Variables (Uncertainty source)

1. Physical uncertainty
o Loads (direction, magnitude, etc…)
o Boundary and Initial condition
o Material properties (E, Nu, rho, σ0, etc…)
o Geometry
2. Numerical simulation uncertainty
o Conceptual modeling
o Mathematical modeling
3. Manufacturing
o Sheet metal thickness
o Welds
o Random design (controlled) variables

3 – Statistics and Probability

Statistics and Probability are two different and complementary aspects of statistical
methods. Statistics deals with measuring randomness in any system, while probability theory
deals with establishing mathematical models that could be applied to such systems.
Monte Carlo methods are the most common of the statistical methods. Monte Carlo
methods can be defined as statistical simulation methods, which utilize sequences of random
numbers to perform a simulation. In many applications of the Monte-Carlo, the physical process
is simulated directly, and there is no need to even write down the differential equations that
describe the behavior of the system. The only requirement is that the physical system, or any
mathematical system, should be described by Probability density functions.
A stochastic simulation in general, involves the following steps:
• Define the Probability density functions (PDF) for the random variables. These PDFs can
be based on experimental data or on theoretical assumptions.
• Sample the random variable values based on these PDFs. There are different types of
sampling methods.
• Perform simulation/experiments at each of these sampled values of the random
variables.
• The desired result is derived from analysis of the response data from the simulations
performed in the above step.

3.1 – Probability Density Function

The probability density function gives the probability of a parameter value lying within a
certain interval. PDFs are used to characterize the random variables. The PDFs of the random
variables provide the input required for a stochastic method.
Example: If the input parameter is the thickness of a component, PDF would give the
distribution, i.e., the range of values that the thickness can take and the probability associated
with each value. Different types of probability functions can be used to define a random variable.
HyperStudy provides the five different PDF types that will be described on the next
topics.
3.1.1 – Normal Distribution

The normal distribution is one of the most important distributions. The importance of
normal distribution lies in that it approximates many phenomena in nature. It also attracts a lot of
attention because of its mathematical properties.
Where μ is the mean and σ is the standard deviation.

Since a closed form cumulative distribution function is not possible, numerical methods
are used.

3.1.2 – Uniform Distribution
3.1.3 – Triangular Distribution

3.1.4 – Exponential Distribution
3.1.5 – Weibull Distribution

3.2 – Cumulative Distribution Function

The integration of the probability density function yields the cumulative distribution. The
CDF gives the probability of a parameter value being less than or equal to a certain value. CDF
curves give information about the reliability of a system for given variations in system input.
3.2.1 – Histogram
The histogram provides the number of occurrences of a response/random variable value
within a certain interval.
4 – Sampling
The term sampling refers to the scheme used to select values for the random variables.
The following sampling techniques are offered in HyperStudy:
• Simple Random
• Latin HyperCube
• Hammersley
4.1 – Simple Random Sampling

The conventional approach of sampling, commonly called Simple Random or Monte
Carlo, requires a large number of samples, which in turn require a large number of simulation
runs with computationally expensive analysis codes.
4.1.1 – Latin HyperCube Sampling

The Latin HyperCube technique developed by McKay, Conover, and Beckman (1979) is
an alternative approach which can yield precise estimates of output statistics with a lesser
number of samples. The Latin HyperCube technique uses a constrained or stratified sampling
scheme.
Latin HyperCube sampling selects n different values from each of k variables x1, … xk in
the following manner:
• The range of each random variable is divided into n non-overlapping intervals on the
basis of equal probability.
• One value from each interval is selected at random with respect to the probability density
in the interval.
• The n values thus obtained for x1 are paired in a random manner with the n values of
x2. These n pairs are combined in a random manner with the n values of x3 to form n
triplets and so on, until n k-tuplets are formed.
A stratified sampling scheme like Latin HyperCube offers the advantage of selecting
random variable values that are uniformly spread across the range of random variables while
taking into account the probability density function of those random variables.

4.1.2 – Hammersley Sampling

Hammersley sampling belongs to the category of quasi-Monte Carlo methods. This
technique uses a quasi-random number generator, based on the Hammersley points, to
uniformly sample a unit HyperCube. Hammersley sampling is an efficient sampling technique
that provides reliable estimates of output statistics using reasonably fewer samples. It also
provides good uniform properties on a k-dimensional HyperCube. This is an advantage over
Latin HyperCube sampling, providing good uniformity properties of just one dimension.
4.2 – Correlation
Correlation is a bivariate measure of association (strength) of the relationship between
two variables. It varies from 0 (random relationship) to 1 (perfect linear relationship) or -1
(perfect negative linear relationship).
HyperStudy uses the pairing procedure developed by Iman and Conover to induce
specified correlations between random variables. Such induced correlations are based on the
nonparametric technique known as rank correlation. It is possible to specify multivariate
correlations when correlation is defined in terms of pairs of random variables. For example, if
there are three random variables A, B, and C, and the correlation between them is defined as
follows:
Correlation (A, B) = 0.5
Correlation (A, C) = 0.5
Correlation (B, C) = 0.5
the multivariate correlation matrix based on the bivariate correlation values look like the
following:
There are mathematical limitations on the way the correlation matrix can be defined, as
illustrated in the following case.
Correlation (A, B) = -0.9
Correlation (A, C) = -0.9
Correlation (B, C) = -0.9
The correlation values specified here, indicate that large values of A tend to be paired
with smaller values of both B and C, while the correlation value between B and C indicates that
large values of B are paired with smaller values of C. The above correlation is mathematically
impossible, and cannot be achieved by any sampling scheme.

4.3 – Interpreting Post-processed Data

HyperStudy provides the following types of post-processing for result interpretation.
4.3.1 – Ant-Hill Plots

Ant-Hill plots contain enormous amounts of information about the system being studied.
Such information can only be arrived at by performing stochastic analysis.
Ant-Hill plots can be used for model validation. A good simulation model will have similar
Ant-Hill plots, in terms of the amount of scatter and the orientation of the cloud as the ones from
a series of tests. Comparing Ant-Hill plots is a more accurate way of validating a model rather
comparing values from a single experiment.
Ant-Hill plots are used to indicate the dependency between a random variable and a
response or between two responses.
4.3.2 – Histogram, PDF, and CDF
The histogram, PDF, and CDF indicate the probability function of the output response.
The histogram shows the frequency of runs yielding a sub-range of response values.
The size of the sub-range is defined as the total range of the response value, divided by the
number of bins. The probability density function (PDF) curve indicates the probability of the
response being equal to a particular value. The cumulative distribution function (CDF) curve
shows the probability of the response being less than or equal to a particular value. The
accuracy of the PDF and CDF curves depend on the number of bins chosen.

4.3.3 – Statistical Summary

HyperStudy provides the following statistical indicators for response:
Mean Indicates the most probable value the response would take.
Average Evaluated using the following expression:
deviation
The horizontal line in the above plot represents the average of the
values in the vector. The vertical lines represent the differences
between the values of the vector and the average of the values. The
average deviation is the average difference between the vector
elements and the average of the vector elements. The sign of each
element difference is not taken into consideration when calculating the
deviation. The sign of each element is taken into consideration when
calculating the average of the elements.
Variance Evaluated using the following expression:
Standard This is the square root of the variance. It is a commonly used measure
deviation of dispersion.

Coefficient A measure of relative dispersion given by:

of Variation
(COV)
The use of variation lies partly in the fact that the mean and standard
deviation tend to change together in many experiments. The higher the
CoV, the higher the variability. The lower the CoV, the lesser the
variability of the data. CoV is seldom of interest where the mean is likely
to be near zero.
Skewness Indicates whether the probability distribution is skewed to the right or to
the left of mean. If the skewness is zero, the probability distribution is
symmetric about the mean of the distribution. If the skewness is less
than zero, the probability distribution is skewed to the left of the mean of
the distribution. If the skewness if greater than zero, the probability
distribution is skewed to the right of the mean of the distribution.
Median The Median of a scalar is that value itself.
The Median of a vector with an odd number of elements is a scalar that
is the element at the center of the ordered vector (element (N+1)/2,
where N is the number of elements).
The Median of a vector with an even number of elements is a scalar that
is the average value of the two elements closest to the center of the
ordered vector (elements N/2 and (N/2+1), where N is the number of
elements).
RMS Calculates the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of all
response values using the following equation:
∑ (x )
2
1 −x
N
Minimum Minimum value indicates the smallest of all output response values.
Maximum Maximum value indicates the largest of all output response values.

5 – Robust Design – Stochastic Study

Minimizing variations in performance caused by variations in design variables:
Description of a Random System
System performance function

5.1 - Robustness Definition

o The design should be invariant against small changes of the parameters which are
inevitable in the normal design process .
o Scattering of design parameters due to real world conditions in manufacturing and
boundary conditions should not reduce the performance of the product.
o Robustness is the degree to which a system is insensitive to effects that are not
considered in the design.
o Robust statistical procedures has to be designed to reduce the sensitivity of the
parameter estimates to unreliability in the assumptions of the model.

5.2 – Deterministic Optimization Approach

This method tries to find an acceptable solution to the design problem that minimizes the
objective function. The design variables are deterministic and can be continuous or discrete
quantities.
The approach can be formulated as:
Objective: min( f ( x ) )
Constraints: g j (x) ≤ 0
Design space: x L ≤ x ≤ xU
Deterministic optimization problem formulation does not incorporate uncertainty of
design variables then the optimal solutions for systems exhibiting highly non-linear responses
can be misleading.
Surrogate models (response surfaces) built using certain approximation techniques tend
to smooth the noisy behavior
Most optimization algorithms push the constraints to the bounds in search of optimal
solution and this in general leads to a not robust design, where any small change can make the
system fail.
5.3 – Robustness Optimization Approach

Since the objective of any robust design problem is to bring the mean on target and
minimize the variance, robust design problems should be modeled as bi-objective problem:
The two objectives are:
1. Minimize the variance of performance
2. Bring the mean on target or optimizing the “mean of performance”
Probability
distribution
Bias
Quality distribution
Tolerance (System Quality
Range) distribution
distribution (System range)
(Design range)
Quality within
specifications
(Common range)
0 l
Target σ Mean μ σ Performance

The approach can be formulated as:
Objective: min(σ ( f ( x ) ))
Constraints: μ (x, r ) − f target ≤ 0
μ j (x, r ) − g j target ≤ 0
Design variables: x L ≤ x ≤ xU
Random variables: r = [ri (μi ,σ i )]
Objective: Deviation
Constraint: Mean gj
For more information about this methods please go to the online documentation. This approach
is discussed with more detail at the advanced training.

Exercise 5.1: Stochastic Study of a Rail Joint

The following exercise uses a regression as a surrogate model to assess the robustness
of a tube design with variations in the design variables. The objective is to observe the variation
in joint stresses as a result of variations in the thickness of the tube and the PSHELL. At the end
of the exercise, the reliability of the design for the given variations can be predicted.
Rail Joint FEA Model
Problem Statement
o 2 DVs
PSHELL.T.1 { Normal, Mean = 1.5, Variance = 0.00225}
tube.T.1 { Normal, Mean = 1.5, Variance = 0.003}
o One Response
VON Mises Stress (Element 2886)
Problem Setup
You should copy this:
• Directories: nom_run, optimization, DOE, approximation.
• Files: rail_joint_with_Shape.hm, RAIL_JOINT_OPTIM_study.xml.
• You should modify the study directory on your study file (XML) with the new location.

Step 1: Setup a stochastic study.

Profiles dialog.
3. Click File >Open… and browse to find the rail_joint_with_Shape.hm file.

4. Click open.
6. In the HyperStudy window, click Add Study … > From File….
7. Open the RAIL_JOINT_OPTIM_study.xml study.
This should populate the Study Setup, DOE, Approximation and Optimization study
sections.
8. Click Create stochastic study in the Stochastic study section of the study tree.
A red x appears in the box that indicates you have to add a study to make this action valid.

9. Click Add Stochastic Study to open a pop-up window.

11. To select the sampling method, click next to Type: and choose Latin hypercube.
12. Change the Number of runs: to 100.
Since this example evaluates the regression using a DOE study, a higher number of
sampling points can be used. When using the Exact Analyses Solver option, a higher
number of sampling points implies more cpu (distributions for random variables).
13. Click Next > to reach the Define random variables dialog.
Step 2: Define the distribution for the random variables.

The Define random variables dialog is used to define the distribution type for each variable
and the parameters to be associated with each type of distribution.
HyperStudy provides the following probability distribution types: Normal, Triangular, Uniform,
Exponential, and Weibull.
Select distribution type for random variables
14. Deactivate the check box next to the third variable (labeled sh1.S).

This variable is not used for the stochastic study.
15. Click in the space next to the box for the first variable (PSHELL.T.1).
16. Click next to Distribution: and select Normal distribution.
17. Change the Mean value to 1.500.
18. Select the Variance: radio button and enter 2.25e-03.
19. Repeat the last three steps for the second variable using a variance value of 3e-03.
20. Click Next > twice to reach the Select responses dialog.
Responses to be evaluated for the study are chosen here.
21. Click on solver in the Evaluator column, to volume and vonMises responses.
This brings up the switch for selection of the evaluator.
Click Here
Stochastic response evaluator
22. Click on the pull down arrow and select LSR_1 as the evaluator for both responses.
Selection of approximation model as response evaluator
By selecting the LSR_1, we have designated that the approximation model (that was built in
the previous section) is to be used to evaluate the volume and von Mises responses rather
than the OptiStruct solver.
23. Click Next >.

The input distribution can be reviewed here.
24. Activate the check box for the desired Random Variable to display or hide the distribution
for the chosen variable(s).

Ant-Hill 3D plot
25. Select the Ant-Hill 3D tab to view the distribution as a 3-D plot (see figure above).
26. Select the Histogram/PDF/CDF tab to view the curves for the selected variable(s).
27. Click Extract to evaluate the regression at each of the sample points.
28. Click Next> to begin post-processing.
Step 3: Post-process the results.

HyperStudy provides three categories of post-processing results: Ant-Hill plots (2-D and
3-D), Histograms/PDF/CDF, and Statistical Summary.
29. Create an ant-hill plot.

- Click the Ant-Hill (response vs. random variable) tab.

- Activate the Response check box to display/hide the plot for that response.
- Click on , to change the variable type in the box below Random Variable (X-
axis), to tube.T.1 and to plot the von Mises response against the second variable.
Ant-Hill plot (response vs. random variable tube.T.1)
Ant-Hill plot (response vs. random variable PSHELL.T.1)

Ant-hill plots contain enormous amounts of information about the subject being studied, and
provide information about global dependencies that can only be arrived at by performing a
stochastic analysis.
Ant-hill plots are used to indicate the dependency between a random variable and a
response, or a response and a response. If a clear trend is observed from the plots, a
particular variable is affecting the system. The first figure above (Stress X tube.T.1) shows a
clear trend between the stress and thickness, indicating a relationship between that variable
and the stress. On the second we can see that for this interval PSHELL.T.1 has almost no
influence on Stress. When there is no observable trend according to the ant-hill plot, a
variable is not controlling a system response, and is only adding noise to the system.
Ant-hill plots are used for model validation, and a good simulation model will have similar
ant-hill plots with regard to the amount of scatter and the orientation of the cloud compared
over a series of tests.
You can also view the 3-D ant-hill plots under the Ant-Hill 3D (resp vs rand) tab. In the ant-
hill 3-D plot, you will see that the response is plotted against both the variables.
30. Create a histogram/PDF/CDF.

- Click the Histogram/PDF/CDF tab.
- Use the radio buttons to select a Response.
The histogram and PDF provide the distribution of the response, with PDF showing the
probability of a value lying within a certain range, and histogram showing the number of
occurrences for the same.
CDF curves can be used to estimate the probability of a response being above or below a
certain value, and are useful in assessing reliability.
The value of a response or variable is on the X axis of a CDF curve. The probability of
response values from the set of runs being less than the corresponding x-values is on the Y-
axis.

31. Create a statistical summary.

- Click the Statistical Summary tab for mean, standard deviation, variation, and other
statistical outputs.
Mean is the average of the response values from each run. The mean is compared against
the value for which a product is designed.
Standard deviation and variance indicate the extent of scatter. The lower the ratio of the
standard deviation and mean, the less scatter, and a more robust a design is indicated.
32. Determine the reliability of your component, by changing the Bound Value, HST give you
which is the probability of the response is lower (Reliability) or higher (Probability of Failure)

Exercise 5.2: Stochastic Study of a Plate Model

The purpose of this exercise is to assess the variation in stresses due to the variations in
thickness of a plate. The model simulates a plate under tension and the stresses in the plate are
the responses of interest. The plate has three regions of thickness, as shown in the image
below. At the end of the exercise, the reliability of the design for the given variations can be
predicted.
Plate FEA Model
Model Information
o 3 DVs
thick1 { Normal, Mean = 0.1, Variance = 0.0001}
o Two Responses
Max VON Mises Stress
Volume
Problem Setup
You should copy this:
• Directories: nom_run, optimization.
• Files: plate.tpl, PLATE_OPTI.xml

Step 1: Perform a stochastic study.

2. Click Add Study… >> From File….
3. Select the plate_opti.xml and click Open. This should populate the Study Setup and
Optimization study sections.
4. Click Create stochastic study under the Stochastic study section of the study tree.
A red x appears in the box.
5. Click Add Stochastic Study.

6. Retain the default name and label and then click OK.
7. Select the sampling method, Type: and switch to Hammersley.
8. Change the Number of runs: to 100.
9. Click Next > to reach the Define random variables dialog.
Step 2: Define random variables.

This dialog defines the type of distribution for each variable and the parameters associated with
each type of distribution.
The parameters corresponding to each distribution can be defined in this dialog.
Define distribution type for random variables.

1. Click on the empty box next to the first variable label to select the first variable.
2. Click beside Distribution: and select Normal.
3. Select the Variance: radio button and enter 1.0e-04.
4. Repeat the last two steps for variables 2 and 3.
5. Click Next > twice to go to the Stochastic responses dialog.
The responses to be evaluated for the stochastic study are chosen here..
6. Click Next > to go to the Write/Execute runs dialog.

The input distribution can be reviewed here. This can be useful in determining if you have
enough sampling points to represent the chosen distribution for the random variable. The
Ant-Hill plot and Histogram/PDF/CDF curves can be reviewed here as well.
7. Activate/deactivate the check boxes under Random Variable to display/hide the distribution
for each variable.
Ant-Hill 2D plot for input distribution
8. Click the Ant-Hill 3D plot to view the input distribution in 3-D. Open the
Histogram/PDF/CDF tab to view the curves for the variable.
9. Click Write/Execute/Extract to run the jobs and extract responses for each run.
10. Click Yes in the pop-up window.

11. Click Next > to go to post-processing dialog.

Step 3: Post-process the results.

HyperStudy provides three categories of results: Ant-hill plot, Histograms/PDF/CDF and
Statistical Summary.
1. Click the Ant-Hill (resp vs. resp) tab to view the ant-hill plots.
Each response is plotted against other response values. Activate/deactivate the check
boxes under Response to display/hide the plot for each response.
2. Click the Ant-Hill 3D (resp vs. resp) tab to view the ant-hill plots on 3D.

3. Click on the Ant-Hill (resp vs. rand var) tab. This plots the response vs the random
variable of choice.
Volume response dispersion (thick1 and thick2)
Von Mises response dispersion (thick1 and thick2)

4. Click on the Ant-Hill 3D (resp vs. rand var) tab. This plots the response vs 2 random
variable of choice.
Von Mises and Volume responses (thick1, thick2)

5. Change the variable and the graph position to see how the responses are linked with each
variable.

6. Open the Histogram/PDF/CDF tab to view the histogram/PDF/CDF for each response. To
select a Response, select the corresponding radio button.
Histogram/PDF/CDF
The histogram and PDF provide the distribution of the response. CDF curves can be used to
estimate the probability of a response being below or above a certain value. The CDF
curves can be used to assess reliability.
7. Open the Statistical Summary tab to view the mean, standard deviation, variation, and
other statistical outputs.
8. Open the Relieability tab review how good is your component.


Appendix A: DOE and Optimization
Appendix A
Comparison of DOE and

Optimization using HyperStudy
The following chart summarizes the preferred technique for specific engineering requirements.
Engineering Requirement Preferred Technique Action/Result
Specific requirement to Optimization Modify design variables to
achieve a design objective minimize the objective
(e.g. minimize mass, Head function.
Injury Criteria (HIC), etc).
Increase the insight into the DOE Provides a “road map”
behavior of the system by describing how each input
understanding how input parameter influences each
parameters affect the response.
response.
Identification and DOE Provides a systematic
understanding of potential methodology to
parameters’ interactions. understand the interaction
of variables that with just
an optimization can be
difficult on determine.

Appendix A: DOE and Optimization

Appendix B: Solver Scripts
Appendix B
Solver Scripts
This section contains some sample scripts or batch files that could be used to automate
processes in HyperStudy.
Using NQS in UNIX

The following sample script runs a solver using the queuing system under UNIX. This script
makes sure that the optimization process stops until the solver has completely finished.
The sample file is set up for running LS-DYNA. The wait loop is checking the d3hsp file for the
string “N o r m a l t e r m i n a t i o n” signaling the end of the solution process.
If another solver is used the script needs to be changed accordingly. The respective ASCII
output file should be screened for a string signaling the proper end of the solver run.

The sample script also shows how to include certain post-processing tasks such as translating
the results into a HyperMesh result file and deleting files not needed to save disc space.
#!/bin/sh
#
# Set base filename for the optimization study
#
base=<filename>
#
# Set name of the que
#
que =quename
#
# Set environment variables for the solver
#
LSTC_FILE=/soft/usr/dyna/pass/v940_902 export LSTC_FILE
#
# Submit solution to the que
#
(echo "cd $PWD"echo "/soft/usr/dyna/v940_902 i=$base.bdf x=99
memory=50000000") | qsub -q $que
#
# Wait for the solver run to be finished
#
MSG=""while [ "$MSG" = "" ] ; do MSG=`grep "N o r m a l t e
r m i n a t i o n" d3hsp 2>/dev/null` sleep 30done
#
# Post-process data, if necessary (Create HyperMesh result
file)
#
/soft/net/hmdyna d3plot $base.res
#
# Delete data not needed
#
/bin/rm –f d3p* d3d*
#
# End of script
#

Automate Result Translation in Windows

The following are batch files that automate the solving and results translation in Windows. The
batch job calls a solver command in a sub-batch file to prevent the original batch job from being
terminated when the solver finishes.
The sample file is set up for running ABAQUS.
Batch File Command lines
abq.bat ::::###abq.bat batch file ###
@echo off
call <study directory>\run.bat

<HyperWorks installation
directory>\translators\hw5.0\hmabaqus.exe link.fil
link_hm.res
run.bat ::::### run.bat batch file ###
<Abaqus installation directory>\Commands\abaqus

j=link interactive


Appendix C: Templex
Appendix C
Templex
Introduction
This appendix introduces the Text Client user interface in MotionView and the Templex
processor. Upon completion of this section, you will be familiar with the Text Client and be able
to write Templex programs.
Text Client Interface

Figure 1 shows the Text Editor and identifies some of the icons on the toolbar. To open the
Text Editor, start HyperGraph, click on the Select Window Type icon, then select the open file
icon, , from the list.
Figure 1: Text Editor Screen

Appendix C: Templex
The icons labeled in Figure 1 do the following things:
• Open file opens previously created text files.
• Save file saves your current working file.
• Edit text/results runs the Templex processor.
• Find text searches your text file for key words.
• Text attributes changes text graphic attributes.
• Erase window deletes contents of the current window.
Writing Programs
Example 1: The "Hello, World" Templex Program

The purpose of this exercise is to write a Templex program that will output the following:
Templex says, "Hello, World"!
This sample program creates the output above:

{'The first Templex program}
{string="Hello, World"}
Templex says, "{string}"!
Notice the following in this program:

• A single quote at the beginning of a statement makes it a comment (see line 1 of the
program). Comments do not appear in the output. Comment lines are helpful in
documenting the intent of the program.
• Line 2 contains an example of string variable assignment.
• Line 3 illustrates how to intersperse literal text and variables. Text outside the curly
brackets appears verbatim in the output. Templex evaluates text within the curly braces.
This is a powerful feature for automatic generation of multiple input decks for design
studies and creation of text reports of simulation results.

Appendix C: Templex
The following steps enter and execute the program:

1. Start MotionView and enter the Text Editor.
2. Type the sample program statements into the text/results area.
3. Click the Edit Text icon on the toolbar.
A new button labeled Edit appears in the panel area with a highlighted green checkbox on
the left. This indicates the program is ready for execution.
4. Click Edit.
Templex executes the program and the output replaces the program in the same window.
5. Click Edit button again to return to the program.
Editing Tools
Copy/Paste
Highlight text by holding down the left mouse button and dragging the cursor across the desired
text. Release the mouse. Right click to bring up a popup menu list. Click the Copy button. Insert
the cursor at the desired location. Click Paste on the popup menu list.
The popup menu list is available inside any text field by right clicking the mouse.
Text Search
Click the Find text icon, , on the toolbar.
Text Editor Display Preferences

Click the Text Attributes icon, ,on the toolbar to bring up a panel containing color options
for Text and Background colors. To change the font type and characteristics, click the font icon,
.

Appendix C: Templex
Templex Instruction Flow Management

The following flow control structures are provided in Templex.
• if-else
• for loop
• foreach loop
• while loop
An example of each control structure follows.
Example 2: The if-else decision flow

{'Determine the larger of two numbers}
{a=10}
{b=10}
{ if ( a > b ) }
{a} > {b}
{ elseif ( a < b ) }
{a} < {b}
{ else }
{a} = {b}
{ endif }
Example 3: The FOR loop

{'The first Templex FOR loop}
{string="Hello, World"}
string={string}
{‘For loop starts}
{for (i=0; i<=5; i++ )}
{string}
{endloop}
{‘For loop ends}
In the FOR statement, the first argument sets the initial value of the loop; the second is the loop
termination condition; the third is the increment. This loop starts at 0 and ends at 5, increasing
the count by 1 each time. The {endloop} statement marks the end of the loop.

Appendix C: Templex

References
References
1. ‘Structural Optimization in Occupant Safety and Crash Analysis’, U Schramm, D
Schneider and H Thomas, OptiCON’98, California, Oct. 1998.
2. ‘Validation of the Hybrid III Head and Neck Models for the Pole Test of FMVSS 201
Using Optimization Techniques’, L Fredriksson and A Hirth, CAD-FEM User’s
Meeting, Oct. 1998
3. ‘Crashworthiness optimization Study of a Bumper System’, K Simpson and G Harte,
HyperWorks Conf. Proceedings, Jan 1999
4. ‘Structural optimization - An Efficient Tool in Automotive Design’, U Schramm, ATZ
WorldWide, pg 17-20, 100 (1998) 6.
5. ‘Shape Optimization using Star-CD and HyperStudy’, M Ratzel and C E Baumann,
STAR American Conference, Detroit, May 2006.


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A Platform for Innovation TM

FTP site Address: ftp.altair.com or ftp2.altair.com or http://ftp.altair.com/ftp

Location Telephone e-mail

The following countries have distributors for Altair Engineering:

Trademark and Registered Trademark Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Introduction to HyperStudy .................................................................. 1

1.1 – HyperWorks Tool Descriptions................................................................................. 2

1.2 – HyperStudy Integration with HyperWorks ................................................................ 4

1.3 – Class Objectives ...................................................................................................... 5

2.1 – HyperStudy Benefits ................................................................................................ 6

2.2 – HyperStudy Process ................................................................................................ 7

3 – DOE Study .................................................................................................................. 8

5 – Optimization Study .................................................................................................... 10

6 – Stochastic Study ....................................................................................................... 11

7 – Evaluation and Rating ............................................................................................... 12

8 – Configuration Tools ................................................................................................... 13

8.1 – Preference File....................................................................................................... 13

8.2 – Old Editor ............................................................................................................... 13

8.3 – New Editor.............................................................................................................. 14

8.4 – Job Management ................................................................................................... 14

8.5 – Solver Script........................................................................................................... 15

9 – Parametrization of a FEA model ............................................................................... 16

9.1 – HyperStudy/HM-MV-HF link................................................................................... 17

Exercise 1.1: Create Design Variables through HyperMesh........................................... 18

9.2.1 – What is Templex? ............................................................................................... 23

9.2.2 – Important Templex Rules .................................................................................... 23

9.2.3 – Templex File Description..................................................................................... 24

10 – HyperStudy Integration ........................................................................................... 32

10.1 – List of Direct Solvers & Results Access ............................................................... 32

10.2 – Interfacing with Solvers ........................................................................................ 33

10.3 – Integration with Excel ........................................................................................... 34

11 – HyperStudy/HyperMorph Coupling ......................................................................... 35

11.1 – Shape Variable Generation using HyperMorph ................................................... 36

11.1.1 – Exporting Shape Variables................................................................................ 37

Chapter 2: Design of Experiments (DOE)............................................................. 39

2 – DOE Concepts and Definitions ................................................................................. 40

3 – DOE Study Types ..................................................................................................... 42

4 – DOE Study Types - Applications............................................................................... 46

4.1 – DOE for Screening ................................................................................................. 46

4.2 – DOE for Factorial Studies ...................................................................................... 46

4.3 – DOE for Response Surface (RSM) Evaluation ...................................................... 46

5 – Typical DOE Assessment Procedure........................................................................ 47

6 – DOE Process ............................................................................................................ 47

Exercise 2.1: DOE Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS .............................................. 48

Exercise 2.2: DOE Study of a Cantilever Beam using Templex ..................................... 58

Exercise 2.3: DOE Study Using MotionView and MotionSolve....................................... 71

III HyperWorks 10.0

1.1 – Why Perform Approximation Study? ...................................................................... 81

1.2 – Least Square Regression....................................................................................... 82

1.3 – Moving Least Squares ........................................................................................... 83

1.4 – HyperKriging .......................................................................................................... 84

Exercise 3.1: Approximation Study of a Rail Joint Using RADIOSS ............................... 85

Exercise 3.2: Least Square Approximation ..................................................................... 89

Chapter 4: Structural Optimization ....................................................................... 97

1.1 – Optimization Definitions ......................................................................................... 98

2 – Optimization Methods ............................................................................................... 99

2.1 – (ARSM) Adaptive Response Surface Method........................................................ 99

2.2 – (SQP) Sequential Quadratic programming .......................................................... 101

2.3 – (MFD) Method of Feasible Directions .................................................................. 102

2.4 – (GA) Genetic Algorithm ........................................................................................ 103