Integrated Computational Considerations for Large Scale Structural Design Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization

Abstract

In this paper, integrated computational considerations for large scale structural design sensitivity analysis and optimization are addressed. Aiming at giving the designer better control of the design process, a workstation oriented four-step interactive design approach is proposed in this paper as a viable alternative to a more monolithic and highly automated design optimization process. To free design sensitivity software from the particular finite element code used for analysis, unified data storage in a local data base is suggested. The impact of emerging computer architectures, parallel processors, and networks of workstations on structural simulation and design optimization computations is also discussed.