Stochastic model reduction for robust dynamical characterization of structures with random parameters

In this paper, we characterize random eigenspaces with a non-intrusive method based on the decoupling of random eigenvalues from their corresponding random eigenvectors. This method allows us to estimate the first statistical moments of the random eigenvalues of the system with a reduced number of deterministic finite element computations. The originality of this work is to adapt the method used to estimate each random eigenvalue depending on a global accuracy requirement. This allows us to ensure a minimal computational cost. The stochastic model of the structure is thus reduced by exploiting specific properties of random eigenvectors associated with the random eigenfrequencies being sought. An indicator with no additional computation cost is proposed to identify when the method needs to be enhanced. Finally, a simple three-beam frame and an industrial structure illustrate the proposed approach.     

An extended stochastic response surface method for random field problems

An efficient and accurate uncertainty propagation methodology for mechanics problems with random fields is developed in this paper. This methodology is based on the stochastic response surface method (SRSM) which has been previously proposed for problems dealing with random variables only. This paper extends SRSM to problems involving random fields or random processes fields. The favorable property of SRSM lies in that the deterministic computational model can be treated as a black box, as in the case of commercial finite element codes. Numerical examples are used to highlight the features of this technique and to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. A comparison with Monte Carlo simulation shows that the proposed method can achieve numerical results close to those from Monte Carlo simulation while dramatically reducing the number of deterministic finite element runs. The project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10602036). The English text was polished by Yunming Chen.     

Shells with random geometric imperfections simulation — based approach

The paper concerns the stochastic analysis of the static response of materially and geometrically non-linear models of imperfect shell structures. Geometric imperfections of shells are described using random variables or random fields. The Monte Carlo method combined with a finite element program analysis is employed. The proposed approach is used to analyse the non-linear post-buckling behaviour of a shallow cylindrical shell. The numerically obtained critical load histograms allow to estimate the structure reliability. The accuracy of simulation-based approach is discussed.     

基于侵入混沌多项式法的随机多孔介质内顺磁性流体热磁对流不确定度量化

目前流体流动与传热问题的研究大都基于确定性工况条件,而现实流体流动与传热问题中存在着大量不确定性因素,计算流体力学的不确定性量化提供了一种理解流体物性、边界条件与初始条件等不确定性因素对模拟结果影响的能力.为揭示随机多孔介质内顺磁性流体热磁对流的传播规律与演化特征,本文发展了一种基于侵入式多项式混沌展开法的热磁对流不确...     

随机有限元动力分析方法的研究进展

对随机结构动力分析方法,包括随机模拟法、摄动随机有限元法、动态随机有限元法和正交展开法等进行了评述,介绍了该领域内的研究进展,并讨论了研究中存在的问题以及发展方向．      

HIERARCHICAL STOCHASTIC FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

In this paper, the hierarchical approach is adopted for series representation of the stochastic nodal displacement vector using the hierarchical basis vectors, while the Karhunen-Lòeve series expansion technique is employed to discretize the random field into a set of random variables. A set of hierarchical basis vectors are defined to approximate the stochastic response quantities. The stochastic variational principle instead of the projection scheme is adopted to develop a hierarchical stochastic finite element method (HSFEM) for stochastic structures under stochastic loads. Simplified expressions of coefficients of governing equations and the first two statistical moments of the response quantities in the schemes of the HSFEM are developed, so that the time consumed for computation can be greatly reduced. Investigation in this paper suggests that the HSFEM yields a series of stiffness equations with similar dimensionality as the perturbation stochastic finite element method (PSFEM). Two examples are presented for numerical study on the performance of the HSFEM in elastic structural problems with stochastic Young’s Modulus and external loads. Results show that the proposed method can achieve higher accuracy than the PSFEM for cases with large coefficients of variation, and yield results agreeing well with those obtained by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS).     

Sensitivity and randomness in homogenization of periodic fiber-reinforced composites via the response function method

The main issue this paper addresses is the derivation and implementation of a general homogenization method, including the simultaneous determination of sensitivity gradients and probabilistic moments of the effective elasticity tensor. This is possible with an application of the perturbation method based on Taylor expansion and with the effective modules method. The computational procedure is implemented using plane strain analysis carried out with the finite element method (program MCCEFF) and the symbolic computations system MAPLE. The sensitivity gradients and probabilistic moments are commonly determined on the basis of partial derivatives for the homogenized elasticity tensor, calculated using the response function method with respect to some composite parameters. They are subjected separately to a normalization procedure (in deterministic analysis) and the relevant algebraic combinations (for the stochastic case). This enriched homogenization procedure is tested on a periodic fiber-reinforced two component composite, where the material parameters are taken as design variables and then, the input random quantities. The results of computational analysis are compared against the results of the central finite difference approach in the case of sensitivity gradients determination as well as the direct Monte-Carlo simulation approach. This numerical methodology may be further applied not only in the context of the homogenization method, but also to extend various discrete computational techniques, such as Boundary/Finite element and finite difference together with various meshless methods.     

具有随机参数的含裂纹板弯曲应力强度因子的统计分析

本文首次应用随机有限元法研究了具有随机参数的含裂纹板裂纹尖端弯曲应力强度因子的统计性质。文中首先给出了杂交模式的裂纹尖端奇异单元的刚度矩阵,然后基于随机场的局部平均理论和一阶泰勒展开得到了应力强度因子均值和方差的计算公式。作为数例,详细讨论了杨氏模量、泊松比及板厚度的不确定性对应力强度因子的影响。     

随机结构有限元分析的递推求解方法

提出了一种新的谱随机有限元分析方法——递推求解方法。该方法将随机结构的随机响应表示成非正交多项式展式,建立了和摄动法类似的一系列确定的递推方程,并通过确定性有限元方法对这些递推方程进行静力问题求解。算例表明,当随机量出现较大涨落时,计算结果相对于传统摄动法有不小的改进。     

An efficient 3D stochastic finite element method

Real life structural systems are characterized by their inherent or externally induced uncertainties in the design parameters. This study proposes a stochastic finite element tool efficient to take account of these uncertainties. Here uncertain structural parameter is modeled as homogeneous Gaussian stochastic field and commonly used two-dimensional (2D) local averaging technique is extended and generalized for 3D random field. This is followed by Cholesky decomposition of respective covariance matrix for digital simulation. By expanding uncertain stiffness matrix about its reference value, the Neumann expansion method is introduced blended with direct Monte Carlo simulation. This approach involves decomposition of stiffness matrix only once for the entire simulated structure. Thus substantial saving of CPU time and also the scope of tackling several stochastic fields simultaneously are the basic advantages of the proposed algorithm. Accuracy and efficiency of this method with reference to example problem is also studied here and numerical results validate its superiority over direct simulation method or first-order perturbation approach.     

Change-of-variable interval stochastic perturbation method for hybrid uncertain structural-acoustic systems with random and interval variables

The response analysis from hybrid uncertain structural-acoustic systems with random and interval variables (HUSAS) plays an important role in the optimal design of structural-acoustic systems. In this work, a hybrid uncertain numerical method known as the change-of-variable interval stochastic perturbation method (CVISPM) is proposed to predict the interval of the response probability density function and the response confidence interval of a HUSAS. This method is based on perturbation analysis and the change-of-variable technique. In the proposed method, the response of a HUSAS is approximated as a linear function of random variables using the stochastic perturbation analysis. According to the approximated linear relationships between the response and the random variables, the change-of-variable technique is introduced to calculate the response probability density function. Based on the response probability density function, the interval perturbation approach is used to predict the interval of the response probability density function and the response confidence interval. A numerical example of a shell structural-acoustic system with random and interval variables was employed to verify the effectiveness and precision of the proposed method.     

AN INTERVAL FINITE ELEMENT METHOD BASED ON THE NEUMANN SERIES EXPANSION 1)

实际工程问题中通常存在大量的不确定参数, 区间有限元方法是一种结合有限元数值计算工具对结构进行不确定性分析的区间方法. 区间有限元的目的是获得在含有区间不确定性参数条件下的结构响应上下边界, 其关键问题在于区间平衡方程组的求解, 而这属于一类往往很难求解的NP-hard问题. 本文归纳了一类工程实际中常见的结构不确定性问题, 即可线性分解式区间有限元问题, 并针对此提出一种基于Neumann级数的区间有限元方法. 在区间有限元分析中, 当区间不确定参数表示为一组独立区间变量线性叠加时, 若结构的刚度矩阵也可表示为这些独立区间变量的线性叠加形式, 则称此类区间有限元问题为可线性分解式区间有限元问题. 对于此类问题, 采用Neumann级数对其刚度矩阵的逆矩阵进行表示, 可获得结构响应关于区间变量的显式表达式, 从而可高效求解结构响应的上下边界. 最后通过两个算例验证了本文所提方法的有效性.     

一种基于Neumann级数的区间有限元方法

实际工程问题中通常存在大量的不确定参数, 区间有限元方法是一种结合有限元数值计算工具对结构进行不确定性分析的区间方法. 区间有限元的目的是获得在含有区间不确定性参数条件下的结构响应上下边界, 其关键问题在于区间平衡方程组的求解, 而这属于一类往往很难求解的NP-hard问题. 本文归纳了一类工程实际中常见的结构不确定性问题, 即可线性分解式区间有限元问题, 并针对此提出一种基于Neumann级数的区间有限元方法. 在区间有限元分析中, 当区间不确定参数表示为一组独立区间变量线性叠加时, 若结构的刚度矩阵也可表示为这些独立区间变量的线性叠加形式, 则称此类区间有限元问题为可线性分解式区间有限元问题. 对于此类问题, 采用Neumann级数对其刚度矩阵的逆矩阵进行表示, 可获得结构响应关于区间变量的显式表达式, 从而可高效求解结构响应的上下边界. 最后通过两个算例验证了本文所提方法的有效性.      

基于摄动法的不确定性有限元模型修正方法研究

开展了考虑不确定性的有限元模型修正方法的研究。基于摄动法推导了待修正参数均值和协方差矩阵的迭代格式,其中协方差的迭代格式包括是否考虑试验数据与修正参数之间相关性的两种形式。在理论研究基础上开展数值仿真研究,实现了不确定性有限元模型修正的摄动法,并研究了试验数据样本数量对修正误差的影响。仿真结果表明,该方法适用于解决系统参数与试验数据存在不确定性的模型修正问题,试验样本数量对待修正参数标准差的修正精度影响较大;忽略试验模态参数与待修正参数不确定性之间的相关性,能够避免计算二阶灵敏度矩阵,在保证修正结果准确性的前提下减少计算量。     

Finite‐element/level‐set/operator‐splitting (FELSOS) approach for computing two‐fluid unsteady flows with free moving interfaces

The present work is devoted to the study on unsteady flows of two immiscible viscous fluids separated by free moving interface. Our goal is to elaborate a unified strategy for numerical modelling of two‐fluid interfacial flows, having in mind possible interface topology changes (like merger or break‐up) and realistically wide ranges for physical parameters of the problem. The proposed computational approach essentially relies on three basic components: the finite element method for spatial approximation, the operator‐splitting for temporal discretization and the level‐set method for interface representation. We show that the finite element implementation of the level‐set approach brings some additional benefits as compared to the standard, finite difference level‐set realizations. In particular, the use of finite elements permits to localize the interface precisely, without introducing any artificial parameters like the interface thickness; it also allows to maintain the second‐order accuracy of the interface normal, curvature and mass conservation. The operator‐splitting makes it possible to separate all major difficulties of the problem and enables us to implement the equal‐order interpolation for the velocity and pressure. Diverse numerical examples including simulations of bubble dynamics, bifurcating jet flow and Rayleigh–Taylor instability are presented to validate the computational method. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stochastic finite element analysis of non-linear plane trusses

—This study considers the responses of geometrically and materially non-linear plane trusses under random excitations. The stress-strain law in the inelastic range is based on an explicit differential equation model. After a total Lagrangian finite element discretization, the nodal displacements satisfy a system of stochastic non-linear ordinary differential equations with right-hand-sides given by random functions of time. The exact solution of the above stochastic differential equation is generally difficult to obtain. To seek an approximate solution with good accuracy and reasonable computational effort, the stochastic linearization method is used to find the first and second statistical moments (i.e. the mean vector and the one-time covariance matrix) of the nodal displacements. Results of simple structures under Gaussian white-noise excitation indicate that the proposed method has good accuracy (generally underestimates the r.m.s. stationary response by 5–14%) and requires only a small fraction of the computation time of the time-history Monte-Carlo method.     

随机参数结构的统计特征对

结合非正交多项式展式和传统的摄动技巧研究了随机参数结构的统计特征对问题,建立了和摄动法类似的一系列确定的递推方程,并用有限元方法进行了求解,得到了包括特征值和特征向量的特征对的统计值．最后,用算例验证了此方法的正确性．     

Self-adaptive one-dimensional nonlinear finite element method based on element energy projection method

The element energy projection （EEP） method for computation of super- convergent resulting in a one-dimensional finite element method （FEM） is successfully used to self-adaptive FEM analysis of various linear problems, based on which this paper presents a substantial extension of the whole set of technology to nonlinear problems. The main idea behind the technology transfer from linear analysis to nonlinear analysis is to use Newton＇s method to linearize nonlinear problems into a series of linear problems so that the EEP formulation and the corresponding adaptive strategy can be directly used without the need for specific super-convergence formulation for nonlinear FEM. As a re- sult, a unified and general self-adaptive algorithm for nonlinear FEM analysis is formed. The proposed algorithm is found to be able to produce satisfactory finite element results with accuracy satisfying the user-preset error tolerances by maximum norm anywhere on the mesh. Taking the nonlinear ordinary differential equation （ODE） of second-order as the model problem, this paper describes the related fundamental idea, the imple- mentation strategy, and the computational algorithm. Representative numerical exam- ples are given to show the efficiency, stability, versatility, and reliability of the proposed approach.     

随机杆系结构几何非线性分析的递推求解方法

建立了随机静力作用下考虑几何非线性的随机杆系结构的随机非线性平衡方程. 将和 位移耦合的随机割线弹性模量以及随机响应量表示为非正交多项式展开式，运用传统的摄动方法获 得了关于非正交多项式展式的待定系数的确定性的递推方程. 在求解了待定系数后，利用非 正交多项式展开式和正交多项式展开式的关系矩阵，可以很方便地得到未知响应量的二阶统计矩. 两杆结构和平面桁架拱的算例结果表明，当随机量涨落较大时，递推随机有限元方法比基于 二阶泰勒展开的摄动随机有限元方法更逼近蒙特卡洛模拟结果，显示了该方法对几何非线性 随机问题求解的有效性.     

A multi-fiber approach for modeling corroded reinforced concrete structures

Taking into account the specific behavior of the steel/concrete interface is of primary importance to predict properly the structural response of RC structures. Several constitutive models have been proposed in the literature within the framework of nonlinear finite element method (2D and 3D). Such approaches usually lead to high computational costs due to the large number of degrees of freedom. In the present paper, a multifiber-based model including the steel/concrete interface behavior is proposed. Despite the fact that the kinematics of the multi-fiber approach is based on the theory of beams, this simplified strategy accounts for local phenomena such as the relative sliding between concrete and steel. Furthermore, this steel/concrete interface constitutive model can be extended to model the loss of bond properties due to corrosion. The numerical implementation aspects are described and local responses at the Gauss point level are exposed in the cases of monotonic loadings with and without corrosion. The efficiency and the reliability of the proposed approach are tested on structural case studies which highlight a good agreement between numerical and experimental results. This multifiber-based model provides a pertinent tool for the engineers concerns with the structural assessment of degraded reinforced concrete structures.