Altair OptiStruct · FEA and Optimization
Altair OptiStruct FEA Solver and Optimizer
One model and one solver for linear and nonlinear analysis, NVH, fatigue, heat transfer, explicit events and topology optimization. Now part of Siemens as Simcenter OptiStruct, licensed and supported by TrueInsight.
OptiStruct · Fatigue ResultsOverview
What Is Altair OptiStruct?
Altair OptiStruct is a structural analysis and optimization solver for lightweight, durable, high-performance designs. It covers linear and nonlinear analysis, dynamics, vibration, acoustics, fatigue and heat transfer, and it builds optimization into the solver, so the same model, loads and constraints drive both the analysis and the design improvement.
OptiStruct is part of the Altair HyperWorks platform and works with HyperMesh for model building. With the June 2026 Simcenter release, former Altair products joined the Siemens Simcenter family, so OptiStruct now also carries the Simcenter OptiStruct name. TrueInsight licenses and supports it under either name.
- One Model and One Solver for Analysis and Optimization
- Linear, Nonlinear and Explicit Structural Analysis
- Topology, Topography, Size, Shape and Lattice Optimization
- Scales on CPUs and GPUs for Large Models
OptiStruct · Explicit CrashKey Capabilities
Complete Structural Analysis in One Solver
OptiStruct gives analysts the load cases a production-grade structural solver needs, from first concept checks to final validation, without moving the model between tools.
High-Performance Finite Element Analysis
Linear and nonlinear static, normal modes, frequency response and transient dynamics, fast enough for early design studies and accurate enough for sign-off.
Nonlinear Analysis With Bolts and Gaskets
Large deformation with modern contact algorithms, bolt pretension, gaskets and elasto-plastic, hyperelastic, viscoelastic and viscoplastic materials.
Explicit Analysis for Drop and Crash
Highly nonlinear events such as drop tests, crash tests, impacts, erosion and damage, with materials stretched well beyond their elastic limit.
Fatigue and Durability
Predict fatigue life and durability under real operating loads early in the design cycle, before parts reach the test rig.
Composites and Advanced Materials
Composite laminates, lattices and nonlinear materials, with Simcenter Material Data Center integration or your own user-defined materials.
Scalable CPU and GPU Performance
Built for high-performance computing, OptiStruct scales across CPUs and GPUs for faster turnaround on large models and optimization runs.
Structural Optimization
Industry-Leading Topology, Size and Shape Optimization
OptiStruct pioneered structural optimization and still sets the standard for lightweighting. Topology optimization finds the most efficient material layout for a concept; topography adds beads to stamped and sheet-metal parts; size, shape and free-shape optimization refine the final design; multi-material and composite optimization tune laminates and material choices.
Because optimization runs inside the solver, stiffness, strength, frequency and durability targets all act as constraints on the same model. Read our guide to topology optimization software and methods for how the process works.
- Topology Optimization for Concept Layouts
- Topography Optimization for Stamped and Sheet-Metal Parts
- Size, Shape and Free-Shape Optimization for Refinement
- Multi-Material, Composite and Lattice Optimization
Topology · Printed NodeNVH and Dynamics
Vibration, Acoustics and NVH at Full-Vehicle Scale
OptiStruct’s automated multilevel sub-structuring eigenvalue solver (AMSES) extracts thousands of modes in models with millions of degrees of freedom, and its fast frequency response solver (FASTFR) returns modal frequency response quickly, so NVH teams can iterate on full systems instead of reduced models.
- Normal Modes, Frequency Response and Transient Dynamics
- Acoustics and Noise, Vibration and Harshness Workflows
- Bolts, Gaskets and Contact in Dynamic Models
- Fatigue and Durability From the Same Load Cases
Building the model first? HyperMesh prepares OptiStruct decks natively, including load steps, responses and design variables.
Multiphysics
Real-World Multiphysics From One Model
Many failures come from interacting physics. OptiStruct couples heat transfer with structural response, links fluid-structure and electromagnetic-structure interactions, and evaluates electric potential and electrostatic forces, so thermal growth, pressure loads and magnetic forces all reach the structural model.
It also links with manufacturing simulation, so residual stresses and thickness changes from forming or casting can feed the structural analysis.
- Thermomechanical Analysis and Solver Coupling
- Fluid-Structure and Electromagnetic-Structure Interaction
- Electric Potential and Electrostatic Forces
- Links to Manufacturing Simulation Results
Battery Module · Transient ThermalChoosing a Solver
OptiStruct, SimSolid, Radioss or Inspire Structures?
All four run on the same Altair Units license. Pick by the question you need answered and how far along the design is.
| Tool | Best For | Analysis Types | Model Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| OptiStruct | Sign-off analysis and structural optimization | Linear, nonlinear, NVH, fatigue, thermal, explicit; topology, size and shape optimization | Finite element models from HyperMesh or other pre-processors |
| SimSolid | Fast design studies on full assemblies | Linear and nonlinear static, modal, thermal, fatigue and dynamics | Native CAD, no meshing or geometry cleanup |
| Radioss | Crash, drop, impact, blast and ballistics | Explicit dynamics with material failure and complex contact | Meshed models; runs LS-DYNA input decks directly |
| Inspire Structures | Designers exploring concepts | Linear static, normal modes, buckling; topology, topography and gauge optimization | CAD in Altair Inspire, solved with SimSolid or OptiStruct |
Customer Success
OptiStruct Customer Stories
How engineering teams use OptiStruct to take weight out, cut model build time and meet sustainability targets.
All Case Studies
Faster Structural and Shock Analysis
Ten Tech Aerospace & Defense, an engineering services firm for large defense contractors, uses Altair SimLab and OptiStruct for structural and shock analysis with Altair channel partner TrueInsight. Model conversion that took hours now takes 10–20 minutes.
Read the Story
80% Less Topology Optimization Model Build Time
L&L Products, which designs structural reinforcements for vehicle bodies, used the HyperWorks Local Design Space workflow to cut the time it takes to build concept topology optimization models.
Read the Story
Optimizing Floating Wind Tower Structures
Texas Wind Tower combined OptiStruct with MAESTRO from the Altair Partner Alliance to build a design, validation and optimization workflow for floating wind tower concepts that are more buoyant, stable and manufacturable.
Read the StoryLicensing & Pricing
OptiStruct Price and Altair Units Licensing
OptiStruct is not sold as a fixed-price, single-product seat. It is licensed through Altair Units, a pooled subscription that also runs HyperMesh, SimSolid, Radioss, Inspire and the rest of the Altair portfolio.
Your OptiStruct cost depends on how many analysts solve at the same time, the size of your optimization runs and which other applications draw from the same pool. We size a proposal from your workflows instead of quoting a list price.
- Annual Subscription Sized to Your Concurrent Users
- The Same Units Also Run HyperMesh, SimSolid and Radioss
- Startup, Academic and Competitive-Replacement Programs Available
- Installation, License Server Setup and Onboarding Included
Read more about Altair licensing and support or how engineering software pricing works across Altair and Siemens.
Get OptiStruct Pricing
Tell us what you analyze and how many engineers solve. We’ll size an Altair Units proposal.
Thanks, Your Request Is In
An application engineer will follow up with next steps.
Training & Services
OptiStruct Training and Engineering Support
TrueInsight’s application engineers help teams put OptiStruct to work: onboarding, model setup, optimization strategy, multiphysics studies and result review on your own parts.
From the first linear static run to topology studies with manufacturing constraints, we stay on call while your team builds confidence. Need analysis done for you? Our FEA consulting and training services can run the study.
- Setting Up Load Cases, Responses and Constraints for Optimization
- Interpreting Topology Results and Rebuilding Them in CAD
- Nonlinear Contact, Bolt and Gasket Modeling
Guides and Articles
- SimSolid vs HyperMesh and OptiStructWhen you actually need a mesh.
- FEA vs CFD: What’s the Difference?Which analysis your problem needs.
- Topology Optimization Software and MethodsHow optimization finds the best layout.
- Structural Analysis SoftwareEvery Altair structural tool in one place.
From the Blog
Structural Simulation Articles
Battery Simulation 101: Thermal, Structural and EM Analysis for EV Battery Packs
How to simulate EV battery packs across thermal, structural, and EM physics using Altair tools.
Read Article
How Tight Should Your Connection Tolerances Be in Simcenter SimSolid?
In this post we show how to take advantage of the ability to work with imperfect geometry and optimize tolerances/gaps.
Read ArticleFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Altair OptiStruct
What Is Altair OptiStruct Used For?
OptiStruct is used for finite element analysis and structural optimization. Engineers use it to assess, optimize and validate designs for strength, stiffness, durability, vibration, acoustics and thermal behavior, most often in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, energy and electronics.
Is OptiStruct an Optimizer or a Full FEA Solver?
Both. Optimization is built into the solver, so the same model definition, loads and constraints are used for analysis and optimization. That removes the duplicate models and hand-offs you get when optimization runs in a separate tool.
What Types of Analysis Does OptiStruct Support?
Linear and nonlinear structural analysis; normal modes, frequency response and transient dynamics; fatigue and durability; NVH and acoustics; heat transfer and coupled multiphysics; and highly nonlinear explicit events such as drop and crash.
What Types of Optimization Does OptiStruct Support?
Topology optimization for concept layouts, topography optimization for stamped and sheet-metal parts, size, shape and free-shape optimization for refinement, and multi-material, composite and lattice optimization. See our guide to topology optimization.
Can OptiStruct Handle Nonlinear and Real-World Loads?
Yes. OptiStruct covers large deformation, modern contact, bolt pretension and gaskets, and elasto-plastic, hyperelastic, viscoelastic and viscoplastic materials, so models reflect real operating conditions.
Is OptiStruct Part of HyperWorks?
Yes. OptiStruct is the structural solver of Altair HyperWorks, alongside HyperMesh, SimSolid, Radioss and HyperStudy. All of them run on the same Altair Units license.
Is OptiStruct Now Simcenter OptiStruct?
Yes. Siemens acquired Altair, and with the June 2026 Simcenter release former Altair products joined the Simcenter family, so OptiStruct also carries the Simcenter OptiStruct name. It is the same solver, and TrueInsight licenses and supports it under either name.
How Much Does OptiStruct Cost?
OptiStruct is licensed through Altair Units, so there is no fixed per-seat list price. The cost depends on how many engineers solve at the same time and which other Altair applications share the pool. Request OptiStruct pricing and we’ll size a proposal to your team.
How Does TrueInsight Support OptiStruct Users?
TrueInsight provides OptiStruct licensing, installation, onboarding, technical support and training, plus help with optimization setup, multiphysics studies and result interpretation, so your team gets reliable results on real engineering problems.
Related Pages
More Altair Structural Simulation Software
Altair HyperWorksThe CAE platform that includes OptiStructGet Started
Ready to Take the Next Step With OptiStruct?
Whether you’re evaluating OptiStruct for the first time or adding optimization to an existing workflow, our engineers will help you get reliable results quickly.
- Authorized Siemens & Altair Partner
- Expert Engineering Support
- Licensing Sized to Your Team