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Example Guide
The OptiStruct Example Guide is a collection of solved examples for various solution sequences and optimization types and provides you with examples of the real-world applications and capabilities of OptiStruct.
Nonlinear Explicit Analysis
This section presents nonlinear explicit analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
OS-E: 8020 Twisted Beam
This example demonstrates a twisted cantilever beam using Explicit analysis.

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What's New
View new features for OptiStruct 2024.1.
Overview
OptiStruct is a proven, modern structural solver with comprehensive, accurate and scalable solutions for linear and nonlinear analyses across statics and dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, heat transfer, and multiphysics disciplines.
Tutorials
Discover OptiStruct functionality with interactive tutorials.
User Guide
This manual provides detailed information regarding the features, functionality, and simulation methods available in OptiStruct.
Reference Guide
This manual provides a detailed list and usage information regarding input entries, output entries, and parameters available in OptiStruct.
Example Guide
The OptiStruct Example Guide is a collection of solved examples for various solution sequences and optimization types and provides you with examples of the real-world applications and capabilities of OptiStruct.
- Nonlinear Small Displacement Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear small displacement analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Large Displacement Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear large displacement analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Transient Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear transient analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Frequency Response Analysis
- Normal Modes Analysis
  This section presents normal modes analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Complex Eigenvalue Analysis
  This section presents complex eigenvalue analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Thermal and Heat Transfer Analysis
  This section presents thermal and heat transfer analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Analysis Techniques
  This section presents analysis technique examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Topology Optimization
- Size (Parameter) Optimization
- Free-shape Optimization
- Shape Optimization
  This section presents shape optimization example problems, solved using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used in shape optimization.
- Topography Optimization
  The examples in this section demonstrate how topography optimization generates both bead reinforcements in stamped plate structures and rib reinforcements for solid structures.
- ESLM Optimization
  The examples in this section demonstrate how the Equivalent Static Load Method (ESLM) can be used for the optimization of flexible bodies in multibody systems.
- Multiphysics
  This section presents multiphysic examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Rotor Dynamics
- Response Spectrum
  This section presents response spectrum examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
- Nonlinear Explicit Analysis
  This section presents nonlinear explicit analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
  - OS-E: 8000 3-Point Bending of Phone
    In this example, 3-point bending analysis of a phone is performed to check the flexural strength of the phone.
  - OS-E: 8010 Rubber Ring Crush
    This example is a simulation of a rubber ring being crushed in OptiStruct with hyperelastic material and contacts.
  - OS-E: 8020 Twisted Beam
    This example demonstrates a twisted cantilever beam using Explicit analysis.
- Piezoelectric Analysis
  This section presents piezoelectric analysis examples generated using OptiStruct. Each example uses a problem description, execution procedures, and results to demonstrate how OptiStruct is used.
Verification Problems
This manual presents solved verification models including NAFEMS problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides quick responses to typical and frequently asked questions regarding OptiStruct.

OS-E: 8020 Twisted Beam

This example demonstrates a twisted cantilever beam using Explicit analysis.

Figure 1. FE Model of Twisted Beam and Loading Conditions

Model Files

Before you begin, copy the file(s) used in this example to your working directory.

Twisted_beam_Explicit.fem

Model Description

The beam is constrained in x, y and z directions for translational and rotational motion. The end of the beam has a Force load applied. The analysis is carried out for 2 subcases, one with TTERM 0.002 and the other with TTERM 0.005 and DYREL (Dynamic Relaxation), to avoid having any dynamic oscillations by making it static or quasi-static problem. This analysis is performed using OptiStruct’s Explicit via ANALYSIS = NLEXPL.

The material properties are:

Young's Modulus: 29E+06 psi
Poisson's Ratio: 0.22
Density: 7.33E-4 lbf s²/in⁴

Results

Element Stresses
Figure 2. Element Stresses Contour
Displacement
Figure 3. Displacement Contour