OPUS: A Programming System Approach to Structural Optimization

OPUS (Optimization Process Utility System) is a general purpose structural design optimization program suitable for application to an extended range of problems common to vehicle design. OPUS, based on a programming system concept, interfaces several optimization algorithms with a variety of both in-house and proprietary structural analysis code, including MSC/NASTRAN, ADAMS, SAP3, and MOTRAN. OPUS permits a completely arbitrary objective function and constraints; moreover, any parameter governing the definition of a structural model can be used as a design variable. Applications of OPUS, including a geometric optimization for minimum deflection of a torque converter cover, are described.