Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>We consider the linear equations modelling the dynamic behavior of vibrating beams and thin plates. We develop the basic equations for the sensitivity function indicating the dynamic structural response to changes in design. Specifically, the properties of the sensitivity function are developed in detail for the vibrating beam equation. We conclude that the knowledge of an elementary solution of the beam equation, and of the sensitivity function for the elementary solution can be used to determine the sensitivity function for a class of admissible loads applied to the beam.</jats:p>