Setting the number of plies as an optimization variable

[forstay]

Hey,
We try do FEM composite optimization studies and want to use the number of plies as an optimization variable. Could you tell us, if it is possible to do that? It seems that it is only possible to use the real numbers and we have not found how to optimize thickness of composite structure using SolidWorks.
Thanks.

 

[ctopher]

the only way I have seen is thru this software.

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/details.htm?productid=373

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 13
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[rstupplebeen]

Dassault Systèmes, who owns SolidWorks, offers multiple products that could achieve the functionality you are after. Specifically, there are combinations of: SolidWorks, Abaqus, Isight and Catia that could work depending on your needs. For some solutions a single program with some scripting could get the job done. For others linking together a couple of programs through Isight could work. I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

http://www.optimaldevice.com