This book presents the general concept of the Virtual Distortion Method with the necessary theoretical background and a number of its applications to problems of structural analysis and design. The approach presented allows for the development of efficient computational methods for the numerical analysis of problems where, e.g., local failures, the temperature field or permanent plastic deformations are described by virtual distortions. On the other hand, properly modelled (fictitious) virtual distortions can be used to simulate structural modifications such as material redistribution applicable in the optimal redesign process. Finally, virtual distortions can be used to mimic the behaviour of actuators in active structural control problems: shape, stress or vibration control. A number of numerical algorithms are developed, enabling one to solve various problems of structural analysis, design and control.
