Use of design sensitivity coefficients for prediction of structural behaviour after design modification

Abstract

This paper attempts to make use of sensitivity coefficients to obtain the actual structural response of a changed design. It is shown, with reference to a tapered cantilever column with a tip concentrated load, that the method yields accurate results and reduces the computer time required compared with a direct finite element analysis (after design modifications are included), provided the percentage change of design variables and the number of design variables changed are within reasonable limits.