The book is organized into four chapters. The first three treat distinct types of design variables, and the fourth presents a built-up structure formulation that combines the other three. The first chapter treats finite-dimensional problems, in which the state variable is a finite-dimensional vector of structure displacements and the design parameters. The structual state equations are matrix equations for static response, vibration, and buckling of structures and matrix differential equations for transient dynamic response of structures, which design variables appearing in the coefficient matrices.

Extensive numerical methods for computing design sensitivity are included in the text for practical application and software development. The numerical method allows integration of CAD-FEA-DSA software tools, so that design optimization can be carried out using CAD geometric models instead of FEA models. This capability allows integration of CAD-CAE-CAM so that optimized designs can be manufactured effectively.

Extensive numerical methods for computing design sensitivity are included in the text for practical application and software development. The numerical method allows integration of CAD-FEA-DSA software tools, so that design optimization can be carried out using CAD geometric models instead of FEA models. This capability allows integration of CAD-CAE-CAM so that optimized designs can be manufactured effectively.

This book focuses on the optimization of a geometrically-nonlinear structure under stability constraint. It presents a deep insight into optimization-based and computer-assisted stability design of discrete structures. Coverage combines design sensitivity analysis developed in structural optimization and imperfection-sensitivity analysis developed in stability analysis.

This book combines a model reduction technique with an efficient parametrization scheme for the purpose of solving a class of complex and computationally expensive simulation-based problems involving finite element models. These problems, which have a wide range of important applications in several engineering fields, include reliability analysis, structural dynamic simulation, sensitivity analysis, reliability-based design optimization, Bayesian model validation, uncertainty quantification and propagation, etc. The solution of this type of problems requires a large number of dynamic re-analyses. To cope with this difficulty, a model reduction technique known as substructure coupling for dynamic analysis is considered. While the use of reduced order models alleviates part of the computational effort, their repetitive generation during the simulation processes can be computational expensive due to the substantial computational overhead that arises at the substructure level. In this regard, an efficient finite element model parametrization scheme is considered. When the division of the structural model is guided by such a parametrization scheme, the generation of a small number of reduced order models is sufficient to run the large number of dynamic re-analyses. Thus, a drastic reduction in computational effort is achieved without compromising the accuracy of the results. The capabilities of the developed procedures are demonstrated in a number of simulation-based problems involving uncertainty.

Complex mathematical and computational models are used in all areas of society and technology and yet model based science is increasingly contested or refuted, especially when models are applied to controversial themes in domains such as health, the environment or the economy. More stringent standards of proofs are demanded from model-based numbers, especially when these numbers represent potential financial losses, threats to human health or the state of the environment. Quantitative sensitivity analysis is generally agreed to be one such standard. Mathematical models are good at mapping assumptions into inferences. A modeller makes assumptions about laws pertaining to the system, about its status and a plethora of other, often arcane, system variables and internal model settings. To what extent can we rely on the model-based inference when most of these assumptions are fraught with uncertainties? Global Sensitivity Analysis offers an accessible treatment of such problems via quantitative sensitivity analysis, beginning with the first principles and guiding the reader through the full range of recommended practices with a rich set of solved exercises. The text explains the motivation for sensitivity analysis, reviews the required statistical concepts, and provides a guide to potential applications. The book: Provides a self-contained treatment of the subject, allowing readers to learn and practice global sensitivity analysis without further materials. Presents ways to frame the analysis, interpret its results, and avoid potential pitfalls. Features numerous exercises and solved problems to help illustrate the applications. Is authored by leading sensitivity analysis practitioners, combining a range of disciplinary backgrounds. Postgraduate students and practitioners in a wide range of subjects, including statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, biology, toxicology, actuarial sciences, and econometrics will find much of use here. This book will prove equally valuable to engineers working on risk analysis and to financial analysts concerned with pricing and hedging.

There are various methods for the analysis and design of bodies subject to static and dynamic loadings in structural and solid mechanics. Sensitivity analysis is concerned with the relationship between parameters, describing the structure under consideration and the function describing the response of that structure under loading conditions. This book addresses the finite element computational techniques typical of sensitivity analysis for solid mechanics systems with any nonlinearity. It is an attempt to combine theoretical modelling techniques with effective computer implementation: besides the theory many suitable finite element codes have been developed by the authors and used for computing examples discussed in the text.