Structural Eigenderivative Analysis Using Practical and Simplified Dynamic Flexibility Method

Abstract

A practical and simplified technique for computing a large number of eigenvector derivatives of a complex structural system has been developed. This technique uses the dynamic flexibility method and is based on the practical complete modal space approach. The practical complete modal space technique is an exact modal method. There is no modal truncation error existing in the derivation. The dynamic flexibility method requires only the solving of the system governing equation once, regardless of the number of eigenvector derivatives needed to be computed. Using this method, the computer time required to obtain more than one eigenvector derivative can be dramatically reduced. This method gives the mathematical expression of the solution for eigenvector derivatives and is easier for engineers to use to perform theoretical formulation. This method can be applied to systems with and without repeated eigenvalues. This method gives better numerical precision and may be a very good tool for engineers to compute many eigenvector derivatives. € /?'