Shape Design Sensitivity Analysis using the Boundary Element Method

The mathematical programming (MP) methods for shape optimization are iterative methods, in which the designs are modified successively until all the criteria are satisfied. A key issue during the design modification is to predict how the response of the structure changes due to the shape change of the structure. This information is called shape design sensitivity, which is defined as the rates of change of structural responses with respect to the design variables. It is essential to provide accurate design sensitivity information in order to use those MP methods discussed in Chapter 2.