During the two past decades, engineers have shown growing interest in automatic structural optimization techniques. These
were first used to solve analytical problems and were then rapidly adapted to structural sizing problems coupled to finite
element analysis software. Moreover, shape optimization problems featuring complex CAD systems were addressed in the early
90’s.
This article describes the capabilities of the optimization product developed by SAMTECH S.A. in Liège, Belgium. One will
read here what led the company and a group of research engineers at LTAS (Laboratoire des Techniques Aéronautiques et Spatiales,
Université de Liège) to the achievement of a so-called open system for parametric design.
The BOSS/Quattro package is a general-purpose design program. It includes several “engines”: optimization, parametric studies,
“Monte-Carlo” studies, “design of experiments” and updating. It is interesting to note that the “engines” can be easily mixed through the graphical user interface (GUI),
and, this, with several analysis models.
Key words: structural optimization, shape optimization, BOSS/Quattro, design of experiments
Received December 30, 2000