Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization with Partitioned Subdomains

Finite element-based design sensitivity analysis (DSA) and optimal design within a general framework of domain partitioning (DP) formulation are thoroughly explained in this chapter. Three different methods, such as the adjoint method, the direct method, and the finite difference methods, for computing “sensitivity (or derivative)” information are presented in this chapter. Both “generic” and “structural analysis” examples are used in this chapter to clarify detailed computational issues involved in these three methods. This chapter is ended with an explanation of incorporating the computed derivative information into MATLAB built-in function “FMINCON” to iteratively achieve the “optimal, or near-optimal” structural (size, shape, and topology) optimization solutions.