The compliance index objective function (TINDEX/DINDEX) is a weighted sum of response terms. How each term enters into the objective function depends on the parameter Topology/Design Index Method (TINDEXM/DINDEXM).

If Topology/Design Index Method is Normalized Reciprocal (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=0) or Normalized Direct (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=1), then responses are normalized by their values in the first design cycle. If Topology/Design Index Method is Reciprocal (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=2) or Direct (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=3), then responses are not normalized.

The compliance index objective function is calculated using the following equation:

If Topology/Design Index Method is Normalized Reciprocal (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=0) or Reciprocal (TINDEXM=2), then the compliance index objective function terms are calculated using reciprocals for negative weighting factors (maximizing a response value). If Topology/Design Index Method is Normalized Direct (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=1) or Direct (TINDEXM/DINDEXM=3), then the compliance index objective function is a straight summation.