Discussion Forum

I have a model of a beam in the form of a sandwich structure with a certain thicnkess of center region and outer layers I want to perform a simple optimization study where I model the beam as a cantilever and apply a point load at a free end. Based on the deflection and stress results, I want to find out the minimum weight of the beam for best design and the optimum thickness of the beam layers. This tutorial gives an idea of my beam model, but it is simpler without the piezeolectric object.

https://www.comsol.com/model/piezoelectric-shear-actuated-beam-24

The problem is that I don't have access to the Optimization module. Is there a way I can perform a simple design optimization of finding minimum weight (objective function) as des by using simple parameter relations (beam thickness) in COMSOL without the optimization module? I also tried looking at some tutorials available at the COMSOL application gallery but all of them use the optimization toolbox. Ideally this would be my setup.

Design Variables: Beam middle layer thickness and outer thickness Constraints: Max. Deflection, Max. equivalent stress and perhaps stiffness Objective Function: Weight of the beam (mass)

I also have two equations that relate each thickness (middle and outer) to the weight (objective function). Is it possible to write a simple script (possibly in MATLAB) to model these equations and import it into COMSOL and find the minimum mass without the optimization module?

Thank you.