Title: Analytical design sensitivity derivatives of time and frequency responses as an aid to the design process

Authors: Thomas A. Zeiler, Mark E. Barkey

Addresses: Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Box 870280, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0280, USA. Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Box 870280, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0280, USA

Abstract: A design sensitivity approach is applied to approximately assess the effects of structural modifications on vehicle structural response. A specific application of the method is discussed for determining how road simulator drive files can be modified to account for differences in measurement vehicles and vehicles to be tested on road simulators. The method is demonstrated using a basic nine degree-of-freedom structural model, and is shown to provide very good agreement with the calculated exact response of the modified structural model. The general implications of sensitivity analysis on structural design are also discussed.

Keywords: structural modifications; design, sensitivity derivatives; time response; frequency response; vehicle simulators; road load data; ride quality; fatigue loads.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2000.001890

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2000 Vol.23 No.1/2, pp.176-190

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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