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<a name = "hj-top"> </a><table class = "table1" id = "table11"><tr><td><table class = "DocHeader"><tr><td class = "DocHeader1" colspan = "2"><h1>About Design Variables</h1></td></tr><tr><td class = "DocHeader4" colspan = "2"/></tr><tr><td class = "DocHeader3"><table class = "DocHeaderIntro" id = "table12"><tr><td class = "Intro1Only"><p class = "shortdesc">The design variables represent the values to be changed during the optimization.

</p></td></tr></table></td><td class = "DocHeader2"><table class = "DocTopicsSeeAlso" id = "table13"><tr><td class = "TopicsTitle">See Also</td></tr><tr><td><a title = "You can define Design Variables that represent the values to be changed during the optimization. The density of each individual element in the design space is a design variable in topology optimization in Tosca Structure." href = "tso-t-user-TopOpt-DesArea-DesVar.htm#tso-t-user-TopOpt-DesArea-DesVar">Defining Design Variables for Topology Optimization</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></table>




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<p>The density of each individual element in the design space is a design variable in topology
            optimization in <span class = "ph">SIMULIA Tosca Structure</span>. The densities change during the optimization to
            fulfill the optimization goals. The Young's modulus of each element is coupled with the
            density.</p>
<p>Valid design elements are 2D and 3D elements, including shell elements.
Bars can be used as design variables, but not within mixed groups. 
The list of valid element types for the topology optimization is given in 
<a class = "xref" href = "tso-m-usr-solver-sb.htm#tso-m-usr-solver-sb" title = "This chapter describes the formats and functionalities of the different solvers supported by SIMULIA Tosca Structure. The topological and physical properties of the analysis model (finite element input file) are required for the optimization of an FE model. Normally, not all information contained in the analysis model is necessary for an optimization. The optimization module returns the modified model data to the FE solver. The node coordinates are changed during shape and bead optimization. New materials and element properties are generated during topology optimization and the assignments of the elements to the material definitions and material properties are changed. Therefore, there are very few restrictions to the FE modeling (finite element input file).">Solver Specific Features</a> 
for the different FE solvers.</p>
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