Employing a new method for computation of design sensitivities for nonlinear FEM

The semi-analytical method (SAM) is an approach that computationally efficient and easy to implement. That's why this method often used for the sensitivity analysis of finite element models. However, SAM is not without defect especially in problems that rigid body motions are relatively large reveals severe inaccuracy. Such errors outcome from the pseudo load vector calculated by differentiation using the finite difference method. In the present paper, a new semi-analytical approach based on complex variables is proposed to compute the sensitivity of nonlinear finite element models. This method combines the complex variable method with the discrete sensitivity analysis to obtain the response sensitivity accurately and efficiently. The current approach maintains the computational efficiency of the semi-analytical method with higher accuracy. In addition, the current approach is insensitive to the choice of step size, a feature that simplifies its use in practical problems. The method can be used to nonlinear finite elements only requires minor modifications to existing finite element codes. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the discrete sensitivity analysis and the complex variable method are equivalent and solve the same equation. Finally, the accuracy of the method is investigated through the various numerical examples by comparing by other methods and will show that this method is reliable and independent of step size.