Sensitivity analysis of structural response to position of external applied load in plate flexural condition

Based on the classical theory of the finite element analysis, the shift influences of a point or distributed load are firstly transformed into the associated value variation of the equivalent nodal forces. As a result of this transformation, the first- and second-order derivatives of the external load to its movement are constituted readily in a regularized formulation. Subsequently, the relevant sensitivities of the structural responses aforementioned are developed upon the essential concepts of the discrete approach. Finally, two typical examples are provided to illustrate the implementation of the sensitivity analyses derived and their applications in a quick estimate of the structural response variation. The numerical results show a high accuracy of the response sensitivity calculation.