Abstract
This paper describes a methodology for the sensitivity analysis and optimization of planar constrained mechanical systems. Direct differentiation methods and finite difference techniques have been used in the design sensitivity calculations. The optimization process is developed within the framework of mathematical programming techniques. The sensitivity equations were constructed symbolically, subsequently integrated in the dynamic analysis equations of motion and solved simultaneously. Some examples are solved to demonstrate the use of the methodology including a crashworthiness design problem, where a plastic hinge concept has been used to model plastic deformations of the vehicle structure during the impact. (A)