Sensitivity and Optimization Study in Ansys Discovery Software (Tutorial)

This tutorial walks you through the Sensitivity and Optimization capabilities now available in Ansys Discovery™ 3D product simulation software (2026R1). Building on a standard parametric study, you will learn how to run a Sensitivity study to understand how much each parameter contributes to your objectives (e.g., maximum temperature, pressure drop, mass, stress, etc.). You will also learn how to run an Optimization study to automatically identify optimal designs based on your set objectives and constraints.

Note: For a reliable Sensitivity analysis, it is recommended running 50–100 design variations (DVs). Running enough designs ensures the study correctly identifies which parameters are truly important versus unimportant, so you do not accidentally screen out a parameter that actually matters.

Learning Outcomes:

Following completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Perform a Sensitivity study in Ansys Discovery software.
• Understand how design parameters influence simulation objectives and responses.
• Identify which parameters have the greatest impact on performance metrics such as temperature, pressure drop, mass, and stress.
• Interpret sensitivity results to distinguish critical design variables from less influential ones.
• Set up Optimization studies using objectives and constraints.
• Automatically identify optimal design configurations based on set simulation results.
• Apply Sensitivity and Optimization studies to support early-stage design exploration and decision-making. 

Please note: These training materials were developed and tested in the 2026R1 release.