Background

In each optimization cycle ProTOp computes and exports for viewing the following response fields:

• For any analysis
  • Sensitivity - nodal relative sensitivity coefficients related to the objective function (strain energy, lowest eigenfrequency, or a combination of these two). A positive coefficient value means that material addition at the corresponding node decreases structural strain energy (increases structural stiffness) and/or increases the lowest structural eigenfrequency; vice versa is true for a negative coefficient.
• For static stress analysis
  • Displacement - nodal displacement magnitudes and components
  • AM Stress - averaged von Mises stress (averaged at element and node levels)
  • SgnAM Stress - signed and averaged von Mises stress (averaged at element and node levels; the sign equals to the sign of element average volumetric strain)
• For modal eigenfrequency analysis
  • Eigenmode - nodal norms of the eigenmode vector

In addition to displayed response fields, various response quantities of the defined reference nodes are available. The corresponding data grid displays all of the computed values that correspond to the selected load case.

Figure. The computed reference node values are shown for the corresponding load case.

NOTE. All FEA analyses in ProTOp are based on special finite elements, custom developed for optimal performance in topology optimization. These elements can be cut by a material border and they contain many other special features in order to support the underlying optimization procedures. As a consequence, these elements are not a good choice if maximal accuracy of a FEA response is required. Therefore, the final FEA response verification should always be done by specialized FEA response software, designed to deliver maximal accuracy.

Figure. The computed FEA fields are not of the highest accuracy because the underlying finite elements are customized to deliver maximal performance in topology optimization processes.