Asymmetric Design Sensitivity and Isogeometric Shape Optimization Subject to Deformation-Dependent Loads

We present a design sensitivity analysis and isogeometric shape optimization with path-dependent loads belonging to non-conservative loads under the assumption of elastic bodies. Path-dependent loads are sometimes expressed as the follower forces, and these loads have characteristics that depend not only on the design area of the structure but also on the deformation. When such a deformation-dependent load is considered, an asymmetric load stiffness matrix (tangential operator) in the response region appears. In this paper, the load stiffness matrix is derived by linearizing the non-linear non-conservative load, and the geometrical non-linear structure is optimally designed in the total Lagrangian formulation using the isogeometric framework. In particular, since the deformation-dependent load changes according to the change and displacement of the design area, the isogeometric analysis has a significant influence on the accuracy of the sensitivity analysis and optimization results. Through several numerical examples, the applicability and superiority of the isogeometric analysis method were verified in optimizing the shape of the problem subject to deformation-dependent loads.