Introduction to Structural Optimization (3 Days) - Technology Course

Overview

Designing products today poses many challenges and often conflicting requirements need to be satisfied: they must be stronger, lighter, safer, quieter.

This three-day course provides an overview of the theoretical concepts behind structural optimization methods, including general constrained nonlinear optimization and common structural optimization problems like size, shape, topology and topometry optimization. Methods are outlined with minimum mathematics and are illustrated by practical software implementations and applications.

The FEMtools Optimization software will be used for hands-on exercises during approximately half of the time. Participants are invited to bring a portable computer to use during the hands-on exercises.

Date and Location

Date: October 20-22, 2010
City: Leuven, Belgium
Location: Holiday Inn Garden Court, Alfons Smetsplein 7, 3000 Leuven, Belgium (web site)

The hotel is situated in the city center. Leuven is located 20 km from Brussels international airport and can easily be reached by train or car.

Intended Audience

This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning the state-of-the-art in simulation-based optimization techniques. Participants typically have a background in structural analysis. The methods shown can be applied to a wide range of industrial applications.

Presenters

Ir. Eddy Dascotte, Dynamic Design Solutions NV. Eddy has consulted, developed software and presented courses for companies worldwide in the fields of structural dynamics and finite element model updating since 1987.

Dr. Tom Lauwagie, Dynamic Design Solutions NV. Tom obtained his PhD. in 2005 at the mechanical engineering department (PMA) of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) in the domain of material identification using model updating and optimization methods.

Course Language

The course language is English.

Accommodation

The Holiday Inn Garden court hotel has blocked a number of rooms at special rates. These rooms need to be reserved well in advance. A list of other recommended hotels in and around Leuven can be obtained from DDS. Information on the city of Leuven and hotels can also be found at http://www.leuven.be

Course Fee

950 euro per person will be charged by invoice.
This fee includes taxes (21 %), course materials, lunches and refreshments.

Course Contents

Day 1:

Formulation of a general nonlinear optimization problem (design variables, objectives, constraints)
Multi-objective optimization
Viewing and interpretation of optimization results
Database management, interfacing with FE solvers and using internal and external finite element solvers for re-analysis (ABAQUS, NASTRAN, ANSYS, I-DEAS, and others)
Using internal and external finite element solvers for re-analysis
Sensitivity analysis
Size optimization
Shape optimization
Topology optimization
Optimization using manufacturing constraints

Day 2:

Topometry optimization
Topography optimization (beads)
Composites materials optimization
Bead optimization

Day 3:

Design of Experiments (DOE) and Response Surface Method (RSM)
Probabilistic design optimization using Monte Carlo simulation
Multidisciplinary optimization
Using approximations for fast re-analysis in structural dynamics
Using scripting for database management, analysis integration, process automation and reporting
Industrial examples
Review and closure

Registration

Advance registration is required. To register, please use the online registration form or download a printable version of the course flyer and return the completed form by fax.

Note that the number of participants is limited and early registration is strongly recommended.

Upon registration you will receive an email confirmation of your reservation with additional practical information about the venue and course.

Cancellation Policy

A full refund will be made for all cancellations received 7 days before the start of the course. Afterwards 50% of the costs will be charged. Substitute attendees will be accepted at any time. In the event that we have to cancel the course, you will be refunded in full but we disclaim any further liability.

For more information, please contact

Dynamic Design Solutions N.V. (DDS)
Interleuvenlaan 64
B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
Voice: +32 16 40 23 00, Fax: +32 16 40 24 00
email: info@femtools.com