Parameter and shape sensitivity of thermo-viscoelastic response

Gradient-based optimization methods are still most efficient methods for solving structural optimization problems. The sensitivity formulation has been one of the central issues in the gradient-based optimization algorithm. Thermo-viscoelastic constitutive and parameter sensitivity formulation are presented in this paper. The model considered is composed of two coupled subproblems: the transient heat transfer problem and a rheological, viscoelastic material model known in literature as the standard model. Design variables considered are with material and shape-defining parameters. The investigation includes a finite element formulation and implementation in an object-oriented finite element environment. Results of numerical analysis are presented.