FAQ about optiSLang Base in Ansys Workbench – explained simply

What’s new in Ansys 2025 R2?

With version 2025 R2, Ansys introduces a new license level within the optiSLang product family: optiSLang Base. This base license is automatically included in selected solver licenses and thus enables all Workbench users to access professional methods for design studies and optimization free of charge. In addition to the existing license levels Pro, Premium, and Enterprise, optiSLang Base offers an ideal entry point – directly integrated into the familiar Workbench environment. 

What types of questions can be explored with optiSLang Base? 

optiSLang Base is specifically designed to efficiently analyze parametric models. In Workbench, both geometric parameters from the CAD system and load values or material properties can be systematically varied. This creates a design space that can be analyzed in a targeted manner.

Typical questions that can be answered with optiSLang Base include:

• Which parameters most strongly influence the target variables?
• How do the parameters interact within the design space?
• Which combinations lead to optimal results?
• What compromise solutions are possible when target variables compete with each other?

The target variables can be any parametric quantities available in Workbench. This includes, for example, physical values such as pressure loss, deformation, power loss, or mass.

What are the requirements to use optiSLang Base?

The use of optiSLang Base is tied to specific solver licenses. Specifically, the functionality is included in:

• Mechanical: Pro, Premium, Enterprise
• CFD: Premium, Enterprise
• Maxwell
• Startup Bundle

This makes the functionality available to a broad user base – without additional licensing costs.

What features does optiSLang Base offer in detail?

optiSLang Base provides a solid foundation for conducting design studies and optimizations:

• Execution of studies with up to ten parameters
• Definition of up to five constraints and two objective functions
• Use exclusively within Ansys Workbench

• Use of scalar result quantities for evaluation
• Statistical evaluation of variants regarding parameter–objective relationships
• Selection of basic Design of Experiments (DoE) methods
• Creation of response surface models using various algorithms
• Visualization of key influencing factors and relationships
• Optimization using evolutionary and gradient-based methods

• Optimization using evolutionary and gradient-based methods 

These features enable in-depth analysis and optimization of technical designs – directly within the familiar Workbench workflow.

What additional features do the higher optiSLang license levels offer?

Those with more complex requirements benefit from the extended capabilities of the higher license levels (optiSLang Pro, Premium, Enterprise). These include, among others:

• Access to additional algorithms and automation for more efficient sampling and targeted optimization
• Extended configuration options for mathematical models
• Robustness analyses
• Workflow automation and integration into existing system landscapes
• No limitations on the number of parameters, constraints, and objective functions
• Working with signals and field quantities for result variables

What’s the easiest way to get started with optiSLang Base?

For anyone who wants to get to know optiSLang Base, the webinar “Optimization for Everyone with optiSLang Base” offers a practical introduction. Using concrete examples, CADFEM experts show how to analyze your design space and systematically arrive at better designs.