Tangent operators, sensitivity expressions, and optimal design of non‐linear elastica in contact with applications to beams

The tangent operator and design sensitivity expressions for non‐linear elastica subject to frictionless unilateral contact are derived and computed via the finite element method. The sensitivity computations are then combined with a numerical programming package to create an optimal design environment. To exemplify the optimal design environment, a beam's contact surface is contoured to minimize bending stress. This work combines the research on the sensitivity analysis of non‐linear elastic bodies subject to constraints, finite strain non‐linear elastic beam analysis and contact analyses. The analysis is valid for any smooth contact surface; and specialized for the case in which the surface is represented by a cubic spline. The direct differentiation method is utilized to perform the sensitivity analysis. In an example problem, the sensitivity analysis is verified by finite difference computations and then combined with a numerical optimization program to design the stop profile of a valve.