Design Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization of Nonlinear Anisotropic Structures

Nonlinear analysis of anisotropic structures is described by using Hill’s yield criterion that anisotropic yield contour is assumed to be retained its shape during the hardening process. Nonlinear constitutive equation of anisotropic material is derived using plastic potential concept. Linear strain hardening model is utilized and forward Euler method is employed as a stress integration method. Newton–Raphson method is implemented for numerical nonlinear analysis. Direct differentiation method differentiating directly the equilibrium equation with respect to design variables is applied to design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear anisotropic plate. The results of design sensitivity analysis are compared with those of finite difference method to verify the accuracy. Optimization is accomplished for a rectangular plate using evaluated sensitivity coefficients.