Design Sensitivity Analysis of Large-Scale Constrained Dynamic Mechanical Systems

Abstract

A method for computer-aided design sensitivity analysis of large-scale constrained dynamic systems is presented. A generalized coordinate partitioning method is used for assembling and solving sets of mixed differential-algebraic equations of motion and adjoint equations required for calculation of derivatives of dynamic response measures with respect to design variables. The reduction in dimension of the equations of motion and associated adjoint equations obtained through use of generalized coordinate partitioning significantly reduces the computational burden, as compared to methods previously employed. Use of predictor-corrector numerical integration algorithms, rather than an implicit integration algorithm used in the past is shown to greatly simplify the equations that must be formulated and solved. Two examples are presented to illustrate accuracy of the design sensitivity analysis method developed.