Computational method for optimization of structural shapes

In the direct method of shape optimum design, mesh regridding is a necessary step in avoiding the distortion of finite element grids. The effect of internal-nodal movements on the shape design sensitivity associated with the regridding process has been carefully examined in this paper. It shows that to maintain computational accuracy, the effects of internal-nodal movement should be considered in shape design sensitivity analysis. To take the internal-nodal movement into account, the numerical accuracy of the speed method is investigated. A new approach, which constructs the velocity field over the element domain, is presented. Although it takes more computational time, the new approach does improve the accuracy of shape design sensitivity.