Variational design sensitivity analysis in the context of structural optimization and configurational mechanics (Q933242)

Within the general theory of structural optimization, the authors focus attention on the variational design sensitivity analysis. Like in the modern theory of configurational forces, they derive physical and material residual problems in parallel, using standard optimization procedures. Then the authors investigate the sensitivity relation for both problems. These problems are coupled by a pseudo-load operator. Explicit formulations for the variations of both problems are derived, and different solution algorithms are proposed for the coupled problem. Applications concern the mesh optimization, a cantilever beam, and an \(L\)-shape body that yields a hook shape in the shape optimization procedure.