Shape sensitivity in elasto-plastic computations

An algorithm for design sensitivity analysis of elasto-plastic response for the case of design-dependent geometry is discussed. The domain parametriza tion approach is employed. Some important implications for the concept of i soparametric element formulation are indicated. The idea of shape sensitivi ty computations is similar to that of sensitivity with respect to material parameters. However, derivation of additional geometric matrices and integr al expressions is necessary. A possible discontinuity of sensitivity soluti ons is indicated and it is shown that the algorithm handles it correctly. A plane stress computational example illustrates the application of the meth od. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.