Accuracy of Finite Element Based Shape Design Sensitivity Analysis*

ABSTRACT Accuracy of finite element based shape design sensitivity analysis, for use in shape design optimization, is analyzed and tested. A shape design sensitivity formulation that uses stress averaging to treat stress constraint func-tionals is presented. A smooth boundary parameterization is introduced to avoid the "Babuska paradox" and to improve accuracy of design sensitivity analysis. Accuracy of design sensitivity analysis with displacement and hybrid stress finite element formulations is compared. Good accuracy is obtained using higher order displacement finite elements, such as linear stress triangular and 8-noded isoparametric elements.