Efficient Computation of Many Eigenvector Derivatives Using Dynamic Flexibility Method

Abstract

A new approach for computing eigenvector derivatives with repeated eigenvalues of a complex structural system has been successfully developed. This method utilizes a dynamic flexibility technique. Unlike other published methods, this method requires one only to solve the system linear algebraic equations once, regardless of the number of eigenvector derivatives needed to be computed. Tremendous computer time can be saved using this method. Theoretical derivation of this method is presented. Numerical examples are also presented to verify the analysis. This method can be a powerful tool for the design engineer to compute many eigenvector derivatives of a large complex structural system.