A substantial challenge to automating structural analysis/sizing optimization is 'pulling-loads.' The problem arises when many finite elements are used to represent a structural component. This is especially true if the modeled panel has substantial load variation from midspan to edge, or from one edge to another edge. Designing to the maximum element load could be far too conservative and result in overweight designs. Buckling is more dependent on integrated, compressive type load than an element peak load that may be located at the panel's corner.
HyperSizer uses statistical methods to determine the appropriate 'design-to' load. The HyperSizer user can select the K standard deviation factor for determining the design-to applied loading for strength analysis. For instability, HyperSizer uses a different statistical approach. A key aspect of this approach is to statistically determine the percentage of the component's area that is in the compressive, buckling zone and integrate the compressive magnitude over that area.
