Sizing Design Sensitivity Analysis of Dynamic Frequency Response of Vibrating Structures

A continuum design sensitivity analysis method of dynamic frequency response of structural systems is developed using the adjoint variable and direct differentiation methods. A variational approach with a non-selfadjoint operator for complex variable is used to retain the continuum elasticity formulation throughout derivation of design sensitivity results. Sizing design variables such as thickness and cross-sectional area of structural components are considered for the design sensitivity analysis. A numerical implementation method of continuum design sensitivity analysis results is developed using postprocessing analysis data of COSMIC/NASTRAN finite element code to get the design sensitivity information of displacement and stress performance measures of the structures. The numerical method is tested using basic structural component such as a plate supported by shock absorbers and a vehicle chassis frame structure for sizing design variables. Accurate design sensitivity results are obtained even in the vicinity of resonance.