The short answer is yes. Simulations via the finite difference method or finite volume method (depending on the problem type) are used to evaluate the fitness

The short answer is yes. Simulations via the finite difference method or finite volume method (depending on the problem type) are used to evaluate the fitness of each candidate solution on the server. Using the plugin, the user can select from a number of objective functions, e.g. minimize mechanical stress in this area, maximize heat conduction in that area, via the native selection features of their CAD program. The plugin then performs meshing of the geometry, applies boundary conditions (e.g. forces, thermal loads), bundles it all together with information about the objective functions, and then ships it off to the server for evaluation and optimization. The user can also select from number of solution validity constraints to ensure compatibility with the manufacturing process that they have in mind.