For each scenario and iteration, a Failure Criterion failure criterion is calculated, which represents the goal of the optimisation and based on which the design is generatedbased.
A Failure Criterion value of 1 is always the objective of the optimisation. Four different types of Failure Criteria are available (von Mises Stress, FFF Thumb Rule, Directional Dependent Tsai-Hill or Tsai-Wu). More information regarding the Failure Criteria here.
The Safety Factor calculates the goal for the optimisation in regard to the material properties (material limits) for the chosen Failure Criterion. As a second option, a stress goal can directly be defined. This should be a value, that is fitting to the material and LBCs. The following two examples show how the goal for the optimisation is calculated:
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By changing the Stress Goal/Safety Factor, the stiffness of the structure can be influenced as well. Due to uniformly distributed stresses, lower Stress Goals Safety Factors result in stiffer parts at the most lightweight design.
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For further information regarding the stresses and Failure Criteria in the Post Processing, have a look here.