Claude-skill-registry abaqus-optimization

Configure Tosca optimization. Use when user mentions design response, objective function, optimization constraint, or SIMP penalty. Base module for topology/shape optimization.

install
source · Clone the upstream repo
git clone https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry
Claude Code · Install into ~/.claude/skills/
T=$(mktemp -d) && git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry "$T" && mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && cp -r "$T/skills/data/abaqus-optimization" ~/.claude/skills/majiayu000-claude-skill-registry-abaqus-optimization && rm -rf "$T"
manifest: skills/data/abaqus-optimization/SKILL.md
source content

Abaqus Optimization Skill

This skill configures optimization tasks in Abaqus. It's the base module - for complete workflows, route to

/abaqus-topology-optimization
or
/abaqus-shape-optimization
.

When to Use This Skill

Route here when user mentions:

  • "design response", "objective function", "optimization constraint"
  • "SIMP penalty", "material interpolation"
  • Low-level optimization setup (not complete workflows)

Route elsewhere:

  • Complete topology optimization workflow →
    /abaqus-topology-optimization
  • Complete shape optimization workflow →
    /abaqus-shape-optimization
  • Running the optimization →
    /abaqus-job

Prerequisites

Before optimization setup:

  1. ✅ Working static analysis that converges
  2. ✅ Appropriate mesh density
  3. ✅ Full Abaqus license with Tosca (not Learning Edition)

Workflow: Setting Up Optimization

Step 1: Understand User's Goal

Ask if unclear:

  • What to optimize? Weight, stiffness, frequency, stress?
  • What constraints? Volume limit, stress limit, displacement limit?
  • Manufacturing? Casting (draw direction), additive (min feature size)?

Step 2: Choose Objective-Constraint Pair

User WantsObjectiveConstraint
Lightest structure that's stiff enoughMinimize volumeCompliance ≤ limit
Stiffest structure at given weightMinimize complianceVolume ≤ 30%
Avoid resonanceMaximize frequencyVolume ≤ target
Reduce peak stressMinimize max stressVolume ≤ target

Most common: Minimize compliance with volume ≤ 30%

Step 3: Define Design Responses

Design responses are the quantities optimization tracks:

ResponseWhen to Use
VOLUME
Almost always (for volume constraint)
STRAIN_ENERGY
Stiffness optimization
EIGENFREQUENCY
Vibration/resonance
STRESS
Stress-constrained design
DISPLACEMENT
Deflection limit

Step 4: Set Objective Function

The objective is what gets optimized:

  • MINIMIZE_MAXIMUM
    - For compliance, stress
  • MAXIMIZE_MINIMUM
    - For frequency

Step 5: Add Constraints

Constraints limit the design space:

  • RELATIVE_LESS_THAN_EQUAL
    - Percentage (volume ≤ 30%)
  • ABSOLUTE_LESS_THAN_EQUAL
    - Fixed value (stress ≤ 200 MPa)

Step 6: Consider Manufacturing

ConstraintPurpose
Min member sizePrevents thin, unmanufacturable features (3-5mm typical)
SymmetryMirrors design about plane
Draw directionEnables mold/casting extraction
Overhang angleFor additive manufacturing

Step 7: Freeze Critical Regions

Always freeze:

  • BC application regions (mounting points)
  • Load application regions
  • Functional surfaces (mating interfaces)

Key Parameters

ParameterRecommendedNotes
SIMP penalty3.0Higher = sharper boundaries
Volume fraction0.3-0.4Start conservative
Min member size3× mesh sizePrevents checkerboard
Design cycles30-50More for complex geometry

Validation Checklist

After setup, verify:

  • Task created with correct region
  • At least one design response defined
  • Objective function set
  • Volume or other constraint defined
  • BC/load regions frozen
  • Manufacturing constraint if needed

Troubleshooting

ProblemLikely CauseSolution
Checkerboard patternNo min member sizeAdd
GeometricRestriction
Disconnected resultLoad path brokenFreeze more regions
Not convergingConstraint too tightRelax volume fraction
"License error"No Tosca moduleRequires full Abaqus

Code Patterns

For actual API syntax and code examples, see: