Prediction of structural behaviour of plates after design modifications using sensitivity coefficients

Abstract

The use of sensitivity coefficients to obtain the structural response of a changed design is presented. The method is illustrated with respect to simply supported and clamped square plates subjected to either central concentrated load or uniformly distributed load. It is observed that the method employed yields accurate results with reduced computer times compared to a direct finite element analysis after design modifications are included, provided the percentage changes in design variables and the number of design variables changed are within reasonable limits.