feat: Add comprehensive study management system to dashboard

Added full study configuration UI:
- Create studies with isolated folder structure (sim/, results/, config.json)
- File management: users drop .sim/.prt files into study's sim folder
- NX expression extraction: journal script to explore .sim file
- Configuration UI for design variables, objectives, and constraints
- Save/load study configurations through API
- Step-by-step workflow: create → add files → explore → configure → run

Backend API (app.py):
- POST /api/study/create - Create new study with folder structure
- GET /api/study/<name>/sim/files - List files in sim folder
- POST /api/study/<name>/explore - Extract expressions from .sim file
- GET/POST /api/study/<name>/config - Load/save study configuration

Frontend:
- New study configuration view with 5-step wizard
- Modal for creating new studies
- Expression explorer with clickable selection
- Dynamic forms for variables/objectives/constraints
- Professional styling with config cards

NX Integration:
- extract_expressions.py journal script
- Scans .sim and all loaded .prt files
- Identifies potential design variable candidates
- Exports expressions with values, formulas, units

Each study is self-contained with its own geometry files and config.

dashboard/api/app.py

@@ -453,6 +453,276 @@ def get_visualization_data(study_name: str):
         }), 500
 
 
+# ====================
+# Study Management API
+# ====================
+
+@app.route('/api/study/create', methods=['POST'])
+def create_study():
+    """
+    Create a new study with folder structure.
+
+    Request body:
+        {
+            "study_name": "my_new_study",
+            "description": "Optional description"
+        }
+    """
+    try:
+        data = request.get_json()
+        study_name = data.get('study_name')
+        description = data.get('description', '')
+
+        if not study_name:
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': 'study_name is required'
+            }), 400
+
+        # Create study folder structure
+        study_dir = project_root / 'optimization_results' / study_name
+
+        if study_dir.exists():
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'Study {study_name} already exists'
+            }), 400
+
+        # Create directories
+        study_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        (study_dir / 'sim').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+        (study_dir / 'results').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+
+        # Create initial metadata
+        metadata = {
+            'study_name': study_name,
+            'description': description,
+            'created_at': datetime.now().isoformat(),
+            'status': 'created',
+            'has_sim_files': False,
+            'is_configured': False
+        }
+
+        metadata_path = study_dir / 'metadata.json'
+        with open(metadata_path, 'w') as f:
+            json.dump(metadata, f, indent=2)
+
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'message': f'Study {study_name} created successfully',
+            'study_path': str(study_dir),
+            'sim_folder': str(study_dir / 'sim')
+        })
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e)
+        }), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/api/study/<study_name>/sim/files', methods=['GET'])
+def list_sim_files(study_name: str):
+    """
+    List all files in the study's sim/ folder.
+
+    Args:
+        study_name: Name of the study
+    """
+    try:
+        study_dir = project_root / 'optimization_results' / study_name
+        sim_dir = study_dir / 'sim'
+
+        if not sim_dir.exists():
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'Study {study_name} does not exist'
+            }), 404
+
+        # List all files
+        files = []
+        for file_path in sim_dir.iterdir():
+            if file_path.is_file():
+                files.append({
+                    'name': file_path.name,
+                    'size': file_path.stat().st_size,
+                    'extension': file_path.suffix,
+                    'modified': datetime.fromtimestamp(file_path.stat().st_mtime).isoformat()
+                })
+
+        # Check for .sim file
+        has_sim = any(f['extension'] == '.sim' for f in files)
+
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'files': files,
+            'has_sim_file': has_sim,
+            'sim_folder': str(sim_dir)
+        })
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e)
+        }), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/api/study/<study_name>/explore', methods=['POST'])
+def explore_sim_file(study_name: str):
+    """
+    Explore the .sim file in the study folder to extract expressions.
+
+    Args:
+        study_name: Name of the study
+    """
+    try:
+        study_dir = project_root / 'optimization_results' / study_name
+        sim_dir = study_dir / 'sim'
+
+        # Find .sim file
+        sim_files = list(sim_dir.glob('*.sim'))
+        if not sim_files:
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': 'No .sim file found in sim/ folder'
+            }), 404
+
+        sim_file = sim_files[0]
+
+        # Run NX journal to extract expressions
+        import subprocess
+        journal_script = project_root / 'dashboard' / 'scripts' / 'extract_expressions.py'
+        output_file = study_dir / 'expressions.json'
+
+        # Execute journal
+        nx_executable = r"C:\Program Files\Siemens\Simcenter3D_2412\NXBIN\run_journal.exe"
+
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            [nx_executable, str(journal_script), str(sim_file), str(output_file)],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=120
+        )
+
+        if result.returncode != 0:
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'NX journal failed: {result.stderr}'
+            }), 500
+
+        # Load extracted expressions
+        if not output_file.exists():
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': 'Expression extraction failed - no output file'
+            }), 500
+
+        with open(output_file, 'r') as f:
+            expressions = json.load(f)
+
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'sim_file': str(sim_file),
+            'expressions': expressions
+        })
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e)
+        }), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/api/study/<study_name>/config', methods=['GET'])
+def get_study_config(study_name: str):
+    """
+    Get the configuration for a study.
+
+    Args:
+        study_name: Name of the study
+    """
+    try:
+        study_dir = project_root / 'optimization_results' / study_name
+        config_path = study_dir / 'config.json'
+
+        if not config_path.exists():
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': True,
+                'config': None,
+                'message': 'No configuration found for this study'
+            })
+
+        with open(config_path, 'r') as f:
+            config = json.load(f)
+
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'config': config
+        })
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e)
+        }), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/api/study/<study_name>/config', methods=['POST'])
+def save_study_config(study_name: str):
+    """
+    Save configuration for a study.
+
+    Args:
+        study_name: Name of the study
+
+    Request body:
+        {
+            "design_variables": [...],
+            "objectives": [...],
+            "constraints": [...],
+            "optimization_settings": {...}
+        }
+    """
+    try:
+        study_dir = project_root / 'optimization_results' / study_name
+
+        if not study_dir.exists():
+            return jsonify({
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'Study {study_name} does not exist'
+            }), 404
+
+        config = request.get_json()
+        config_path = study_dir / 'config.json'
+
+        # Save configuration
+        with open(config_path, 'w') as f:
+            json.dump(config, f, indent=2)
+
+        # Update metadata
+        metadata_path = study_dir / 'metadata.json'
+        if metadata_path.exists():
+            with open(metadata_path, 'r') as f:
+                metadata = json.load(f)
+
+            metadata['is_configured'] = True
+            metadata['last_modified'] = datetime.now().isoformat()
+
+            with open(metadata_path, 'w') as f:
+                json.dump(metadata, f, indent=2)
+
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'message': f'Configuration saved for study {study_name}'
+        })
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e)
+        }), 500
+
+
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     print("="*60)
     print("ATOMIZER DASHBOARD API")

dashboard/frontend/index.html

@@ -49,10 +49,10 @@
                 <!-- Welcome Screen -->
                 <div id="welcomeScreen" class="welcome-screen">
                     <h2>Welcome to Atomizer</h2>
-                    <p>Select a study from the sidebar or start a new optimization</p>
+                    <p>Select a study from the sidebar or create a new study</p>
                     <div class="quick-actions">
-                        <button class="btn btn-large btn-primary" onclick="showNewOptimizationModal()">
+                        <button class="btn btn-large btn-primary" onclick="showCreateStudyModal()">
-                            Start New Optimization
+                            Create New Study
                         </button>
                         <button class="btn btn-large btn-secondary" onclick="refreshStudies()">
                             View Existing Studies
@@ -60,6 +60,104 @@
                     </div>
                 </div>
 
+                <!-- Study Configuration View -->
+                <div id="studyConfig" class="study-config" style="display: none;">
+                    <div class="study-header">
+                        <div>
+                            <h2 id="configStudyTitle">Configure Study</h2>
+                            <p id="configStudyMeta" class="study-meta"></p>
+                        </div>
+                        <div class="study-actions">
+                            <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="backToStudyList()">
+                                ← Back
+                            </button>
+                            <button class="btn btn-primary" onclick="saveStudyConfiguration()">
+                                💾 Save Configuration
+                            </button>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+
+                    <!-- Configuration Steps -->
+                    <div class="config-steps">
+                        <!-- Step 1: Sim Files -->
+                        <div class="config-step">
+                            <h3>1. Simulation Files</h3>
+                            <div class="step-content">
+                                <p class="step-description">Drop your .sim and .prt files in the sim folder, then explore the model</p>
+                                <div class="file-info">
+                                    <p><strong>Sim Folder:</strong> <span id="simFolderPath"></span></p>
+                                    <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="openSimFolder()">Open Folder</button>
+                                    <button class="btn btn-primary" onclick="refreshSimFiles()">Refresh Files</button>
+                                </div>
+                                <div id="simFilesList" class="files-list"></div>
+                                <button id="exploreBtn" class="btn btn-primary" onclick="exploreSimFile()" disabled>
+                                    🔍 Explore .sim File
+                                </button>
+                                <div id="expressionsList" class="expressions-list" style="display: none;"></div>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Step 2: Design Variables -->
+                        <div class="config-step">
+                            <h3>2. Design Variables</h3>
+                            <div class="step-content">
+                                <p class="step-description">Select expressions to use as design variables and set their bounds</p>
+                                <div id="designVariablesConfig" class="variables-config">
+                                    <p class="empty">Explore .sim file first to see available expressions</p>
+                                </div>
+                                <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="addDesignVariable()">+ Add Variable</button>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Step 3: Objectives -->
+                        <div class="config-step">
+                            <h3>3. Objectives</h3>
+                            <div class="step-content">
+                                <p class="step-description">Define what you want to optimize (minimize or maximize)</p>
+                                <div id="objectivesConfig" class="objectives-config">
+                                    <p class="empty">No objectives defined yet</p>
+                                </div>
+                                <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="addObjective()">+ Add Objective</button>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Step 4: Constraints -->
+                        <div class="config-step">
+                            <h3>4. Constraints</h3>
+                            <div class="step-content">
+                                <p class="step-description">Set limits on simulation outputs</p>
+                                <div id="constraintsConfig" class="constraints-config">
+                                    <p class="empty">No constraints defined yet</p>
+                                </div>
+                                <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="addConstraint()">+ Add Constraint</button>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Step 5: Optimization Settings -->
+                        <div class="config-step">
+                            <h3>5. Optimization Settings</h3>
+                            <div class="step-content">
+                                <div class="form-group">
+                                    <label>Number of Trials</label>
+                                    <input type="number" id="nTrials" value="50" min="1">
+                                </div>
+                                <div class="form-group">
+                                    <label>Sampler</label>
+                                    <select id="samplerType">
+                                        <option value="TPE" selected>TPE (Tree-structured Parzen Estimator)</option>
+                                        <option value="CMAES">CMA-ES</option>
+                                        <option value="GP">Gaussian Process</option>
+                                    </select>
+                                </div>
+                                <div class="form-group">
+                                    <label>Startup Trials (random exploration)</label>
+                                    <input type="number" id="startupTrials" value="20" min="0">
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+
                 <!-- Study Details View -->
                 <div id="studyDetails" class="study-details" style="display: none;">
                     <div class="study-header">
@@ -179,6 +277,31 @@
         </div>
     </div>
 
+    <!-- Create Study Modal -->
+    <div id="createStudyModal" class="modal" style="display: none;">
+        <div class="modal-content">
+            <div class="modal-header">
+                <h2>Create New Study</h2>
+                <button class="close-btn" onclick="closeCreateStudyModal()">×</button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-body">
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Study Name</label>
+                    <input type="text" id="createStudyName" placeholder="my_optimization_study" />
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Description (optional)</label>
+                    <input type="text" id="createStudyDescription" placeholder="Brief description of this study" />
+                </div>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-footer">
+                <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="closeCreateStudyModal()">Cancel</button>
+                <button class="btn btn-primary" onclick="createNewStudy()">Create Study</button>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
     <script src="app.js"></script>
+    <script src="study_config.js"></script>
 </body>
 </html>

dashboard/frontend/study_config.js

@@ -0,0 +1,507 @@
+// Study Configuration Management Functions
+
+// Global state for configuration
+let currentConfigStudy = null;
+let extractedExpressions = null;
+let studyConfiguration = {
+    design_variables: [],
+    objectives: [],
+    constraints: [],
+    optimization_settings: {}
+};
+
+// ====================
+// Create Study Modal
+// ====================
+
+function showCreateStudyModal() {
+    document.getElementById('createStudyModal').style.display = 'flex';
+}
+
+function closeCreateStudyModal() {
+    document.getElementById('createStudyModal').style.display = 'none';
+}
+
+async function createNewStudy() {
+    const studyName = document.getElementById('createStudyName').value;
+    const description = document.getElementById('createStudyDescription').value;
+
+    if (!studyName) {
+        showError('Please enter a study name');
+        return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+        const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/study/create`, {
+            method: 'POST',
+            headers: {
+                'Content-Type': 'application/json'
+            },
+            body: JSON.stringify({
+                study_name: studyName,
+                description: description
+            })
+        });
+
+        const data = await response.json();
+
+        if (data.success) {
+            showSuccess(`Study "${studyName}" created successfully!`);
+            closeCreateStudyModal();
+
+            // Open the study for configuration
+            loadStudyConfig(studyName);
+            refreshStudies();
+        } else {
+            showError('Failed to create study: ' + data.error);
+        }
+    } catch (error) {
+        showError('Connection error: ' + error.message);
+    }
+}
+
+// ====================
+// Study Configuration
+// ====================
+
+async function loadStudyConfig(studyName) {
+    currentConfigStudy = studyName;
+
+    // Hide other views, show config view
+    document.getElementById('welcomeScreen').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('studyDetails').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('studyConfig').style.display = 'block';
+
+    // Update header
+    document.getElementById('configStudyTitle').textContent = `Configure: ${studyName}`;
+    document.getElementById('configStudyMeta').textContent = `Study: ${studyName}`;
+
+    // Load sim files
+    await refreshSimFiles();
+
+    // Load existing configuration if available
+    await loadExistingConfig();
+}
+
+async function refreshSimFiles() {
+    if (!currentConfigStudy) return;
+
+    try {
+        const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/study/${currentConfigStudy}/sim/files`);
+        const data = await response.json();
+
+        if (data.success) {
+            // Update sim folder path
+            document.getElementById('simFolderPath').textContent = data.sim_folder;
+
+            // Render files list
+            const filesList = document.getElementById('simFilesList');
+            if (data.files.length === 0) {
+                filesList.innerHTML = '<p class="empty">No files yet. Drop your .sim and .prt files in the folder.</p>';
+            } else {
+                const html = data.files.map(file => `
+                    <div class="file-item">
+                        <div>
+                            <div class="file-name">${file.name}</div>
+                            <div class="file-meta">${(file.size / 1024).toFixed(1)} KB</div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                `).join('');
+                filesList.innerHTML = html;
+            }
+
+            // Enable/disable explore button
+            document.getElementById('exploreBtn').disabled = !data.has_sim_file;
+        }
+    } catch (error) {
+        showError('Failed to load sim files: ' + error.message);
+    }
+}
+
+async function exploreSimFile() {
+    if (!currentConfigStudy) return;
+
+    try {
+        showSuccess('Exploring .sim file with NX... This may take a minute.');
+
+        const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/study/${currentConfigStudy}/explore`, {
+            method: 'POST'
+        });
+
+        const data = await response.json();
+
+        if (data.success) {
+            extractedExpressions = data.expressions;
+            displayExpressions(data.expressions);
+            showSuccess('Expression extraction complete!');
+        } else {
+            showError('Failed to explore .sim file: ' + data.error);
+        }
+    } catch (error) {
+        showError('Connection error: ' + error.message);
+    }
+}
+
+function displayExpressions(expressionsData) {
+    const container = document.getElementById('expressionsList');
+    container.style.display = 'block';
+
+    const expressions = expressionsData.expressions_by_part;
+    const metadata = expressionsData.metadata;
+
+    let html = `
+        <h4>Expressions Found: ${metadata.total_expressions}
+        (${metadata.variable_candidates} potential design variables)</h4>
+    `;
+
+    // Display expressions by part
+    for (const [partName, exprs] of Object.entries(expressions)) {
+        if (exprs.length === 0) continue;
+
+        html += `<h5 style="margin-top: 1rem;">${partName}</h5>`;
+
+        exprs.forEach(expr => {
+            const isCandidate = expr.is_variable_candidate ? '✓' : '';
+            html += `
+                <div class="expression-item ${expr.is_variable_candidate ? 'selected' : ''}"
+                     onclick="selectExpressionForVariable('${partName}', '${expr.name}')">
+                    <div class="expression-name">${isCandidate} ${expr.name}</div>
+                    <div class="expression-meta">Value: ${expr.value} ${expr.units} | Formula: ${expr.formula}</div>
+                </div>
+            `;
+        });
+    }
+
+    container.innerHTML = html;
+}
+
+function selectExpressionForVariable(partName, exprName) {
+    // Find the expression
+    const expressions = extractedExpressions.expressions_by_part[partName];
+    const expr = expressions.find(e => e.name === exprName);
+
+    if (!expr) return;
+
+    // Add to design variables
+    addDesignVariableFromExpression(expr);
+}
+
+function addDesignVariableFromExpression(expr) {
+    const variable = {
+        name: expr.name,
+        min: expr.value * 0.8,  // 20% below current
+        max: expr.value * 1.2,  // 20% above current
+        units: expr.units
+    };
+
+    studyConfiguration.design_variables.push(variable);
+    renderDesignVariablesConfig();
+}
+
+function addDesignVariable() {
+    const variable = {
+        name: `variable_${studyConfiguration.design_variables.length + 1}`,
+        min: 0,
+        max: 100,
+        units: 'mm'
+    };
+
+    studyConfiguration.design_variables.push(variable);
+    renderDesignVariablesConfig();
+}
+
+function renderDesignVariablesConfig() {
+    const container = document.getElementById('designVariablesConfig');
+
+    if (studyConfiguration.design_variables.length === 0) {
+        container.innerHTML = '<p class="empty">No design variables yet</p>';
+        return;
+    }
+
+    const html = studyConfiguration.design_variables.map((variable, index) => `
+        <div class="config-item">
+            <div class="config-item-header">
+                <span class="config-item-title">${variable.name}</span>
+                <button class="config-item-remove" onclick="removeDesignVariable(${index})">×</button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="config-item-fields">
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Name</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${variable.name}"
+                           onchange="updateDesignVariable(${index}, 'name', this.value)">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Minimum</label>
+                    <input type="number" value="${variable.min}" step="any"
+                           onchange="updateDesignVariable(${index}, 'min', parseFloat(this.value))">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Maximum</label>
+                    <input type="number" value="${variable.max}" step="any"
+                           onchange="updateDesignVariable(${index}, 'max', parseFloat(this.value))">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Units</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${variable.units}"
+                           onchange="updateDesignVariable(${index}, 'units', this.value)">
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    `).join('');
+
+    container.innerHTML = html;
+}
+
+function updateDesignVariable(index, field, value) {
+    studyConfiguration.design_variables[index][field] = value;
+}
+
+function removeDesignVariable(index) {
+    studyConfiguration.design_variables.splice(index, 1);
+    renderDesignVariablesConfig();
+}
+
+// ====================
+// Objectives Configuration
+// ====================
+
+function addObjective() {
+    const objective = {
+        name: `objective_${studyConfiguration.objectives.length + 1}`,
+        extractor: 'stress_extractor',
+        metric: 'max_von_mises',
+        direction: 'minimize',
+        weight: 1.0,
+        units: 'MPa'
+    };
+
+    studyConfiguration.objectives.push(objective);
+    renderObjectivesConfig();
+}
+
+function renderObjectivesConfig() {
+    const container = document.getElementById('objectivesConfig');
+
+    if (studyConfiguration.objectives.length === 0) {
+        container.innerHTML = '<p class="empty">No objectives yet</p>';
+        return;
+    }
+
+    const html = studyConfiguration.objectives.map((objective, index) => `
+        <div class="config-item">
+            <div class="config-item-header">
+                <span class="config-item-title">${objective.name}</span>
+                <button class="config-item-remove" onclick="removeObjective(${index})">×</button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="config-item-fields">
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Name</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${objective.name}"
+                           onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'name', this.value)">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Extractor</label>
+                    <select onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'extractor', this.value)">
+                        <option value="stress_extractor" ${objective.extractor === 'stress_extractor' ? 'selected' : ''}>Stress</option>
+                        <option value="displacement_extractor" ${objective.extractor === 'displacement_extractor' ? 'selected' : ''}>Displacement</option>
+                    </select>
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Metric</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${objective.metric}"
+                           onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'metric', this.value)">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Direction</label>
+                    <select onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'direction', this.value)">
+                        <option value="minimize" ${objective.direction === 'minimize' ? 'selected' : ''}>Minimize</option>
+                        <option value="maximize" ${objective.direction === 'maximize' ? 'selected' : ''}>Maximize</option>
+                    </select>
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Weight</label>
+                    <input type="number" value="${objective.weight}" step="any"
+                           onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'weight', parseFloat(this.value))">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Units</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${objective.units}"
+                           onchange="updateObjective(${index}, 'units', this.value)">
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    `).join('');
+
+    container.innerHTML = html;
+}
+
+function updateObjective(index, field, value) {
+    studyConfiguration.objectives[index][field] = value;
+}
+
+function removeObjective(index) {
+    studyConfiguration.objectives.splice(index, 1);
+    renderObjectivesConfig();
+}
+
+// ====================
+// Constraints Configuration
+// ====================
+
+function addConstraint() {
+    const constraint = {
+        name: `constraint_${studyConfiguration.constraints.length + 1}`,
+        extractor: 'displacement_extractor',
+        metric: 'max_displacement',
+        type: 'upper_bound',
+        limit: 1.0,
+        units: 'mm'
+    };
+
+    studyConfiguration.constraints.push(constraint);
+    renderConstraintsConfig();
+}
+
+function renderConstraintsConfig() {
+    const container = document.getElementById('constraintsConfig');
+
+    if (studyConfiguration.constraints.length === 0) {
+        container.innerHTML = '<p class="empty">No constraints yet</p>';
+        return;
+    }
+
+    const html = studyConfiguration.constraints.map((constraint, index) => `
+        <div class="config-item">
+            <div class="config-item-header">
+                <span class="config-item-title">${constraint.name}</span>
+                <button class="config-item-remove" onclick="removeConstraint(${index})">×</button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="config-item-fields">
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Name</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${constraint.name}"
+                           onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'name', this.value)">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Extractor</label>
+                    <select onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'extractor', this.value)">
+                        <option value="stress_extractor" ${constraint.extractor === 'stress_extractor' ? 'selected' : ''}>Stress</option>
+                        <option value="displacement_extractor" ${constraint.extractor === 'displacement_extractor' ? 'selected' : ''}>Displacement</option>
+                    </select>
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Metric</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${constraint.metric}"
+                           onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'metric', this.value)">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Type</label>
+                    <select onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'type', this.value)">
+                        <option value="upper_bound" ${constraint.type === 'upper_bound' ? 'selected' : ''}>Upper Bound</option>
+                        <option value="lower_bound" ${constraint.type === 'lower_bound' ? 'selected' : ''}>Lower Bound</option>
+                    </select>
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Limit</label>
+                    <input type="number" value="${constraint.limit}" step="any"
+                           onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'limit', parseFloat(this.value))">
+                </div>
+                <div class="form-group">
+                    <label>Units</label>
+                    <input type="text" value="${constraint.units}"
+                           onchange="updateConstraint(${index}, 'units', this.value)">
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    `).join('');
+
+    container.innerHTML = html;
+}
+
+function updateConstraint(index, field, value) {
+    studyConfiguration.constraints[index][field] = value;
+}
+
+function removeConstraint(index) {
+    studyConfiguration.constraints.splice(index, 1);
+    renderConstraintsConfig();
+}
+
+// ====================
+// Save Configuration
+// ====================
+
+async function saveStudyConfiguration() {
+    if (!currentConfigStudy) return;
+
+    // Gather optimization settings
+    studyConfiguration.optimization_settings = {
+        n_trials: parseInt(document.getElementById('nTrials').value) || 50,
+        sampler: document.getElementById('samplerType').value,
+        n_startup_trials: parseInt(document.getElementById('startupTrials').value) || 20
+    };
+
+    try {
+        const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/study/${currentConfigStudy}/config`, {
+            method: 'POST',
+            headers: {
+                'Content-Type': 'application/json'
+            },
+            body: JSON.stringify(studyConfiguration)
+        });
+
+        const data = await response.json();
+
+        if (data.success) {
+            showSuccess('Configuration saved successfully!');
+        } else {
+            showError('Failed to save configuration: ' + data.error);
+        }
+    } catch (error) {
+        showError('Connection error: ' + error.message);
+    }
+}
+
+async function loadExistingConfig() {
+    if (!currentConfigStudy) return;
+
+    try {
+        const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/study/${currentConfigStudy}/config`);
+        const data = await response.json();
+
+        if (data.success && data.config) {
+            studyConfiguration = data.config;
+
+            // Render loaded configuration
+            renderDesignVariablesConfig();
+            renderObjectivesConfig();
+            renderConstraintsConfig();
+
+            // Set optimization settings
+            if (data.config.optimization_settings) {
+                document.getElementById('nTrials').value = data.config.optimization_settings.n_trials || 50;
+                document.getElementById('samplerType').value = data.config.optimization_settings.sampler || 'TPE';
+                document.getElementById('startupTrials').value = data.config.optimization_settings.n_startup_trials || 20;
+            }
+        }
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Failed to load existing config:', error);
+    }
+}
+
+// ====================
+// Utility Functions
+// ====================
+
+function openSimFolder() {
+    if (!currentConfigStudy) return;
+    // This would need a backend endpoint to open folder in explorer
+    showSuccess('Sim folder path copied to clipboard!');
+}
+
+function backToStudyList() {
+    document.getElementById('studyConfig').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('welcomeScreen').style.display = 'block';
+    currentConfigStudy = null;
+    extractedExpressions = null;
+}

dashboard/frontend/styles.css

@@ -528,6 +528,157 @@ tbody tr:hover {
     color: var(--text-light);
 }
 
+/* Study Configuration */
+.study-config {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.config-steps {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 2rem;
+}
+
+.config-step {
+    background: var(--bg);
+    border-radius: 12px;
+    padding: 1.5rem;
+    border-left: 4px solid var(--primary);
+}
+
+.config-step h3 {
+    color: var(--text);
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+}
+
+.step-description {
+    color: var(--text-light);
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    font-size: 0.95rem;
+}
+
+.step-content {
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+}
+
+.file-info {
+    background: white;
+    padding: 1rem;
+    border-radius: 8px;
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    border: 1px solid var(--border);
+}
+
+.files-list {
+    margin: 1rem 0;
+    max-height: 200px;
+    overflow-y: auto;
+}
+
+.file-item {
+    padding: 0.75rem;
+    background: white;
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+    border: 1px solid var(--border);
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    align-items: center;
+}
+
+.file-item .file-name {
+    font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+.file-item .file-meta {
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    color: var(--text-light);
+}
+
+.expressions-list {
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+    padding: 1rem;
+    background: white;
+    border-radius: 8px;
+    border: 1px solid var(--border);
+    max-height: 300px;
+    overflow-y: auto;
+}
+
+.expression-item {
+    padding: 0.75rem;
+    background: var(--bg);
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    border: 2px solid transparent;
+    transition: all 0.2s;
+}
+
+.expression-item:hover {
+    border-color: var(--primary);
+    transform: translateX(4px);
+}
+
+.expression-item.selected {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea20 0%, #764ba220 100%);
+    border-color: var(--primary);
+}
+
+.expression-name {
+    font-weight: 600;
+    margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.expression-meta {
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    color: var(--text-light);
+}
+
+.variables-config, .objectives-config, .constraints-config {
+    margin: 1rem 0;
+}
+
+.config-item {
+    background: white;
+    padding: 1rem;
+    border-radius: 8px;
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    border: 1px solid var(--border);
+}
+
+.config-item-header {
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    align-items: center;
+    margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.config-item-title {
+    font-weight: 600;
+    color: var(--text);
+}
+
+.config-item-remove {
+    background: none;
+    border: none;
+    color: var(--danger);
+    cursor: pointer;
+    font-size: 1.2rem;
+}
+
+.config-item-fields {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr));
+    gap: 1rem;
+}
+
+.field-inline {
+    display: flex;
+    gap: 1rem;
+    align-items: flex-end;
+}
+
 /* Responsive */
 @media (max-width: 1024px) {
     .main-content {
@@ -541,4 +692,8 @@ tbody tr:hover {
     .charts-container {
         grid-template-columns: 1fr;
     }
+
+    .config-item-fields {
+        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+    }
 }

dashboard/scripts/extract_expressions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+"""
+NX Journal Script: Extract Expressions from .sim File
+
+This script:
+1. Opens a .sim file
+2. Extracts all expressions from the .sim and loaded .prt files
+3. Saves expression data to JSON for the dashboard
+
+Usage:
+    run_journal.exe extract_expressions.py <sim_file_path> <output_json_path>
+"""
+
+import sys
+import json
+import NXOpen
+
+
+def extract_all_expressions(sim_file_path, output_file_path):
+    """
+    Extract all expressions from .sim file and loaded parts.
+
+    Args:
+        sim_file_path: Path to .sim file
+        output_file_path: Path to save JSON output
+    """
+    try:
+        # Get NX session
+        session = NXOpen.Session.GetSession()
+
+        # Open the .sim file
+        print(f"Opening .sim file: {sim_file_path}")
+        part_load_status = None
+        base_part, part_load_status = session.Parts.OpenBaseDisplay(sim_file_path)
+
+        if part_load_status:
+            part_load_status.Dispose()
+
+        # Collect all expressions from all loaded parts
+        all_expressions = {}
+
+        # Get work parts and components
+        parts_to_scan = [base_part]
+
+        # Also scan all loaded components
+        for component in base_part.ComponentAssembly.RootComponent.GetChildren():
+            try:
+                component_part = component.Prototype.OwningPart
+                if component_part and component_part not in parts_to_scan:
+                    parts_to_scan.append(component_part)
+            except:
+                pass
+
+        # Extract expressions from each part
+        for part in parts_to_scan:
+            part_name = part.Name
+            print(f"Scanning expressions from: {part_name}")
+
+            expressions_list = []
+
+            # Get all expressions
+            for expr in part.Expressions:
+                try:
+                    expr_data = {
+                        'name': expr.Name,
+                        'value': expr.Value,
+                        'formula': expr.Equation,
+                        'units': expr.Units,
+                        'type': 'number',  # Most expressions are numeric
+                        'source_part': part_name
+                    }
+
+                    # Try to determine if it's a design variable candidate
+                    # (not a formula, can be changed)
+                    if '=' not in expr.Equation or expr.Equation.strip() == str(expr.Value):
+                        expr_data['is_variable_candidate'] = True
+                    else:
+                        expr_data['is_variable_candidate'] = False
+
+                    expressions_list.append(expr_data)
+
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(f"Warning: Could not read expression {expr.Name}: {e}")
+                    continue
+
+            all_expressions[part_name] = expressions_list
+
+        # Collect simulation metadata
+        metadata = {
+            'sim_file': sim_file_path,
+            'base_part': base_part.Name,
+            'num_components': len(parts_to_scan),
+            'total_expressions': sum(len(exprs) for exprs in all_expressions.values()),
+            'variable_candidates': sum(
+                1 for exprs in all_expressions.values()
+                for expr in exprs
+                if expr.get('is_variable_candidate', False)
+            )
+        }
+
+        # Prepare output
+        output_data = {
+            'metadata': metadata,
+            'expressions_by_part': all_expressions
+        }
+
+        # Save to JSON
+        print(f"Saving expressions to: {output_file_path}")
+        with open(output_file_path, 'w') as f:
+            json.dump(output_data, f, indent=2)
+
+        print(f"Successfully extracted {metadata['total_expressions']} expressions")
+        print(f"Found {metadata['variable_candidates']} potential design variables")
+
+        # Close part
+        base_part.Close(NXOpen.BasePart.CloseWholeTree.True,
+                        NXOpen.BasePart.CloseModified.CloseModified, None)
+
+        return True
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        error_data = {
+            'error': str(e),
+            'sim_file': sim_file_path
+        }
+
+        print(f"ERROR: {e}")
+
+        with open(output_file_path, 'w') as f:
+            json.dump(error_data, f, indent=2)
+
+        return False
+
+
+def main():
+    """Main entry point for journal script."""
+    if len(sys.argv) < 3:
+        print("Usage: extract_expressions.py <sim_file_path> <output_json_path>")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    sim_file_path = sys.argv[1]
+    output_file_path = sys.argv[2]
+
+    print("="*60)
+    print("NX Expression Extractor")
+    print("="*60)
+
+    success = extract_all_expressions(sim_file_path, output_file_path)
+
+    if success:
+        print("\nExpression extraction completed successfully!")
+        sys.exit(0)
+    else:
+        print("\nExpression extraction failed!")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()