Efficient Sensitivity Analysis for Multibody Dynamics Systems Using an Iterative Steps Method With Application in Topology Optimization Available to Purchase

Efficient and reliable sensitivity analyses are critical for topology optimization, especially for multibody dynamics systems, because of the large number of design variables and the complexities and expense in solving the state equations. This research addresses a general and efficient sensitivity analysis method for topology optimization with design objectives associated with time dependent dynamics responses of multibody dynamics systems that include nonlinear geometric effects associated with large translational and rotational motions. An iterative sensitivity analysis relation is proposed, based on typical finite difference methods for the differential algebraic equations (DAEs). These iterative equations can be simplified for specific cases to obtain more efficient sensitivity analysis methods. Since finite difference methods are general and widely used, the iterative sensitivity analysis is also applicable to various numerical solution approaches. The proposed sensitivity analysis method is demonstrated using a truss structure topology optimization problem with consideration of the dynamic response including large translational and rotational motions. The topology optimization problem of the general truss structure is formulated using the SIMP (Simply Isotropic Material with Penalization) assumption for the design variables associated with each truss member. It is shown that the proposed iterative steps sensitivity analysis method is both reliable and efficient.