The inputs to your optimization are called the design responses. Design responses can be read from the Abaqus output database file; for example, stiffness, stresses, eigenfrequencies, and displacements. Alternatively, the Abaqus Topology Optimization Module can extract the design responses from the position of nodes or the layout of elements in your model; for example, its weight, center of mass, or inertia.

A design response is associated with a region of your model; however, it consists of a single scalar value, such as the maximum stress in a region or the total volume of the model. In addition, a design response can be associated with a particular step or load case. For more information, see “Configuring design responses,” Section 18.7, and “Design responses,” Section 13.2.1 of the Abaqus Analysis User's Manual.