VisualDOC 6.2 Released

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VisualDOC 6.2 and its companion VisualScript 6.2 have been released. CD-ROMs will soon be shipped out to current clients. Contact VR&D for instructions on how to download the new version if you don't want to wait for the CD.

New Features and Enhancement include:

  • A new Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA)
    This new MOEA, referred to as Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) in the literature, is added to the list of available optimization algorithms. NSGA-II is one of the most widely used genetic algorithms for multi-objective optimization. With NSGA-II, the user does not need to convert the multi-objective optimization problem to a single objective problem. NSGA- II gives the Pareto-optimal set in a single simulation of the algorithm. This algorithm can work with continuous, discrete, and integer variable representation.
  • Pareto Front Generation for Multi-objective Problems using a Single-objective Optimization Algorithm
    In VisualDOC 6.2, the user can easily generate a Pareto front with any optimization method such as gradient-based method, RSA, PSO etc. VisualDOC performs a systematic scalarization using methods such as weighted-sum, ε-constraint, or compromise programming to convert the multi-objective problem into a single-objective problem. The user can control the number of points desired as well as the intended distribution by setting up suitable scalarization parameters via the combinatorial variables.
  • 2D and 3D Scatter Plot
    VisualDOC 6.2 includes scatter plot capability in two and three dimensions for an optimization task. The user can rotate/zoom using the mouse and also annotate the plots as desired. The user can also export the plotted data in tabular form to a text editor or save it as an image file (in png format).
  • Parallel Coordinates Plot
    For higher dimensional data analysis and visualization, the user has the option to plot a parallel coordinates chart. The user can annotate the chart as desired. This chart allows the user to select/highlight the desired solution(s) using single click or click-and-drag to select a region. The user can also perform Boolean (union/intersection/difference) operations on the selected data sets to identify/study the solution(s) with desired properties.
  • 3D Approximation Viewer for DOE Approximation and RSA optimization
    The new 3D Approximation Viewer in VisualDOC 6.2 is a powerful tool that allows the user to visualize the response surface approximation from DOE and RSA optimization. It is very flexible and provides many features for intuitive and comprehensive exploration of the design space. Any number of responses can be visualized simultaneously. The user can also modify the plots interactively using different slider bars which adjust the value of the design variables in real time. The approximation can also be directly compared with the actual simulation data for error analysis and visualization.
  • Improved performance on multi-core/processor systems
    VisualDOC 6.2 is optimized for parallel computation and its performance on multi-core/processor systems is improved. Both, the parallel job scheduling and file I/O are modified to improve the performance of VisualDOC 6.2.
  • New Backup Strategy and Advanced Options
    VisualDOC 6.2 provides the user the option to selectively include/exclude certain folders and files during the copy/backup operation. The backed-up folders and files are organized in a more structured way especially for parallel/remote simulations which allow the user to conveniently revisit all the designs evaluated during the optimization process. The user can also specify the folders/files to backup that are generated by external analysis software. This option is useful if the user wants to analyze/reuse intermediate design points for computationally intensive simulations.
  • Enhanced Examples and Documentation
    VisualDOC 6.2 includes several new examples that demonstrate its new features. It also includes new examples that demonstrate how to interface VisualDOC with third party software such as LS-DYNA and PAM-CRASH.