Improved sensitivity analysis by a coupled FE–EFG method

In this paper, we modify the sensitivity analysis of a structural optimization process by using a coupled finite element–element-free Galerkin method. The aim is to improve the sensitivity analysis and to avoid a mesh degradation that can occur when the design variables are perturbed while using classical finite element method. The idea is to replace the finite element mesh by EFGM nodes in areas where the sensitivities of the structural responses have to be computed. The proposed methodology is illustrated by a realistic numerical example for which the finite element method cannot give correct results.