Sensitivity analysis of discrete systems

A selection is presented of methods used in the calculation of sensitivity derivatives of behavior and response of discretely modeled structure. Attention is given to methods for the selection of finite-difference step sizes for structural constraint derivatives, and techniques for finite difference derivatives in iteratively-solved problems. Also noted are methods for sensitivity of linear static response, and methods for second derivatives of structural response, derivatives of stresses, and nonlinear response; an emerging area of interest concerns the derivatives of transient response.