Accurate computation of design sensitivities for structures under transient dynamic loads using time marching scheme

Design sensitivities for structures under transient dynamic loads with constraints on displacements and stresses are sensitive to proper space and time discretization. Accuracy within acceptable error limit is feasible when an appropriate time increment coupled with an optimal mesh is used. In this paper, we handle this problem by systematically achieving an adaptive mesh for a reasonably Þne but constant time step. Design sensitivities calculated for a good number of examples demonstrate the behaviour of this integrated approach. Comparison is made in terms of total computational time between time-marching scheme and modal superposition method in the context of design sensitivity calculation. Optimal meshes are also obtained corresponding to adaptive time stepping and accurate values of design sensitivities are computed using the optimal mesh and the values of the time increment obtained adaptively.