Computational Structural Mechanics

LS-OPT®

Overview

The U.S. Department of Transportation′s (USDOT′s) current and near-future need for computational structural mechanics led the Transportation Research and Analysis Computing Center (TRACC) researchers to select the commercial LS-DYNA® suite of codes, developed by Livermore Software Technology Corporation, as one of TRACC′s structural analysis software packages. The package includes LS-DYNA®, LS-PrePost®, and LS-OPT®. LS-OPT® is the optimization tool that allows the user, through the graphical interface, to structure the design process, explore the design space and compute optimal designs according to specified constraints and objectives. The program is also highly suited to the solution of system identification problems and stochastic analysis, including probabilistic analysis. LS-OPT® interfaces perfectly with LS-DYNA® but can also be used with other software and user defined solvers. LS-OPT® is being continuously upgraded and soon will be capable of performing topology optimization.

Current TRACC Applications

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is performing frontal impact studies on TRACC′s cluster computer using a finite element model of a THOR-NT dummy seated in a sled. NHTSA researchers are using LS-OPT® for optimization of the restraint system. Around 550 simulations were run. Currently, TRACC staff members are developing a one day long training course for using LS-OPT® on the TRACC cluster. The course is planned for the 2009 fall/winter time frame.

Using LS-OPT@TRACC

• Instructions for using LS-OPT® can be found HERE
• LS-OPT® Training and Reference can be found HERE
• TRACC researchers are in the process of developing training courses.