FE Design Launch TOSCA V6

FE-DESIGN announces the release of version 6.0 of its optimization software TOSCA for topology, shape and bead optimization with the industry-standard solvers ABAQUS, ANSYS, MSC.Nastran, MSC.Marc, NX Nastran and Permas.

The release TOSCA 6.0 is packed full of new and unique features that allow the solution of complex real-world optimization applications. A strong emphasis was dedicated to improve the ease-of-use, reliability and performance even for very large optimization models. The close integration of TOSCA 6.0 in the native CAE environment and the extended capabilities regarding CAD transfer of the optimization results deliver a significant benefit to the virtual product development process.

TOSCA 6.0 offers the first available sensitivity-based mathematical programming algorithm for topology optimization with industry-standard finite element solvers and manufacturing constraints. The new algorithm allows the free choice of objective function and an arbitrary number of constraints from volume, compliance, displacements, reaction forces and natural frequencies. This technology gives access to sophisticated optimization applications like weight minimization with target stiffnesses and constraints on natural frequencies or shifting of natural frequencies from given resonance frequencies. Various manufacturing and symmetry constraints are provided to calculate optimal design proposals for specific manufacturing processes like casting, forging, extrusion or stamping. The CAD transfer of the optimization results was significantly improved by calculation of a series of user definable slices through the topology iso-surface, which results in lightweight data for the design process.

"The new topology optimization capabilities of TOSCA, mainly the new options for returning optimized geometries back into CAD, are a big step in applied optimization technology. We are using TOSCA together with ANSYS and ABAQUS since 2001 for the design of braking systems and chassis parts. TOSCA has become in the meantime an essential part in our virtual product development process. The new functionalities extend the range of applications considerably and will help us to reduce development time and costs furthermore" says Joachim Noack, Team Leader Structural and Thermal Analysis, TRW Automotive. TRW Automotive is an enterprise wide customer of TOSCA.

An executive summary of all new functionalities of TOSCA 6.0, including important enhancements in shape and bead optimization, is given under Software / TOSCA at www.fe-design.com