Abaqus topology optimization

[lukes91]

Hi,

I am trying to run an optimization task to minimize strain energy with a volume constraint, in order to produce a lighter but stiffer part.

I have set up my model with tetrahedral elements, with a seed of 4. I used a step function of general static, with incrimination parameters set to
Maximum number of increments=9999
increment size: initial-0.001, minimum-1E-009, maximum- 0.01

My issue is that when I run the optimization job with a 1300N force (magnitude of x and y component) the optimization works. When I increase the loading to 5000N, I get issues with 'strain increment exceeding 50 times specified' as well as a 'time increment required is less than the minimum specified' because in the last step of the solver the increment jumps to 1E-31.

Can anyone please help me resolve this issue?

 

[PeteTranc]

Try the following:
1. increase the constrained volume percentage. example from 50% to 90% of initial volume
2. set max optimization cycles to round 5 just to see it tosca is solving correctly
3. decrease volume percentage and repeat step 2 until you reach your bottom reduction.

Try to play with the optimization task settings, for example the ''p-penalty'' value. If you decrease it you the solver allows medium density elements and higher values of p shoot for a black-white design.

Also run a static analysis at your high load to see if the solver converges successfully.