NISAOPT is the most sophisticated family of computer programs available in the world for optimum structural design. Three programs in the NISAOPT family: STROPT, SHAPE, and SECOPT, are fully integrated with NISA II and DISPLAY III. All three programs employ the latest advances in structural optimization theories. STROPT, a program for optimum design of structures of prescribed shape, minimizes the material volume (or weight) of structures by changing the design variables associated with element volumes, such as, thickness, cross-sectional area, fiber angles, layer thickness, etc. SHAPE, a program for shape optimization of solid, shell, or planar contiuum structures, removes elements from the design envelope to minimize volume (weight, cost). The program may form and expand new holes and cut-outs within the system. The constraints include: stress and displacement under multiple load cases and stiffness at nodes. SECOPT, minimizes cross-sectional areas of beams and determines optimal dimensions of the sections.
Vipul R. Kinariwala
Chief Engineer Engineering Mechanics Research Corp. 1607 East Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48083 USA 313-689-0077 fax:313-689-7479