OpenLSTO vs SmartDO

OpenLSTO is open-source C++ software for structural topology optimization using a level set method. It seeks to minimize compliance, or maximize stiffness, within a volume constraint in a two-dimensional design domain. Developed and maintained by researchers at UC San Diego and Cardiff University, the described first light version is limited to that 2D problem. It runs through command-line arguments in a terminal; simple serial cases without external libraries can be compiled and executed with a C++ compiler. OpenLSTO produces.vtk solution files that ParaView can read, so users need a data visualization tool for post-processing. The project favors in-house components where possible and is available under the Apache 2.0 license. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with repository-clone and ZIP download options. The software is free: the OpenLSTO plan is free. The project says expanded capabilities using externally provided software are planned for a more advanced version.

SmartDO is a multidisciplinary, multiphysics platform for automatic engineering design optimization. Its Direct Global Search can begin an optimization after setup with one button, without a design of experiments or manual sensitivity study. The maker describes S.A.F.E.D. and SmartLearning as features that can bypass failed CAD or CAE runs and use earlier calculations to reduce computational cost. APO supports synchronous multi-objective optimization without user weighting. SmartDO uses Tcl/Tk and Python, allowing add-ons, GUIs, graphics, and plotting tools. SmartLink connects the platform with CAE packages, while OpenXim links commercial or open-source CAD with simulation software. Named examples include ANSYS Workbench, FreeCAD, SOLIDWORKS, NX, PrePoMax, and CalculiX. The software page reports successful use with more than 240 design variables and 132 constraints. FEA-Opt Technology develops SmartDO and offers consulting and integration services. Pricing is available on request.