An optimization of frame structures with exact dynamic constraints based on Timoshenko beam theory

Sensitivity analyses of eigensolutions and eigenfunctions of 3-D frame structures using the exact frequency equation from the transfer dynamic stiffness matrix that was derived on Timoshenko beam theory were developed in this paper. Based on the sensitivity data of frame structures, the minimum weight design with an exact frequency constraint can be carried out efficiently. Three examples that demonstrated the results obtained by the proposed method, are in good agreement with those computed by ANSYS.