OPTIMAL CONTROL CONCEPTS IN DESIGN SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS.

In this paper, a close link is established between open loop optimal control theory and optimal design by noting certain similarities in the gradient calculations. The resulting benefits include a unified approach, together with physical insights in design sensitivity analysis, and an efficient approach for simultaneous optimal control and design. Both matrix displacement and matrix force methods are considered, and results are presented for dynamic systems, structures, and elasticity problems. Specifically, the similarity of the sensitivity calculations and adjoint equations is examined. Practical benefits and new possibilities are discussed.