Computational Technology Resources - CSETS

Keywords: stochastic structural analysis, parallel processing, advanced simulation, structural analysis software.

Summary

Significant progress has been made recently in the rational treatment of uncertainties in large finite elemtn (FE) models of complex structures [1], but the development of the corresponding software is still lagging behind [2].

The present contribution addresses methodological, conceptual and practical aspects related to software development for structural reliability analysis. From the methodological point of view, advanced simulation methods are emphasized, since they are most robust with respect to the number of uncertain parameters in the numerical model and hence more suitable for the analysis of large FE models of complex structures. With respect to the implementation, particular weight is attached to the interaction of the FE software and the uncertainty analysis software. Furthermore, the utilization of parallel computing is presented as a key requirement on any reliability analysis software.

The above issues are discussed and elucidated in the context of a software tool for uncertainty and reliability analysis, COSSAN^TM, which has been developed by the authors and their coworkers. In this code the interaction with third party FE tools has been accomplished both by integrating the uncertainty analysis into the FE code and by creating a standalone application which interfaces with the FE code in a non- or little intrusive fashion. The features included in the COSSAN^TM software include reliability analysis, stochastic finite element analysis, optimization, sensitivity and robustness analysis, as well as tools for parallel processing.

In order to demonstrate the application of the software, two examples from structural engineering are presented, namely a satellite structure under harmonic excitation and a multi-storey building subjected to stochastic ground acceleration.

In summary the paper emphasizes that there is no plausible motivation to forego the possibilities offered by systematic uncertainty analysis in structural engineering, since all ingredients - i.e. the theoretical basis, the efficient algorithms and the computing resources - are in place.

References

[1]: C.A. Schenk, G.I. Schuëller, "Uncertainty Assessment of Large Finite Element Systems", Springer-Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York, 2005.
[2]: M.F. Pellissetti, G.I. Schuëller, "On general purpose software in structural reliability", Structural Safety, 28, 3-16, 2006. doi:10.1016/j.strusafe.2005.03.004

purchase the full-text of this chapter (price £20)

go to the previous chapter
go to the next chapter
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £88 +P&P)

	Computational & Technology Resources an online resource for computational, engineering & technology publications
	not logged in - login
Front Page Browse CCP CSETS CTR IJRT Other Authors Search Purchase Guide FAQ Contact us	Computational Science, Engineering & Technology Series ISSN 1759-3158 CSETS: 19 TRENDS IN COMPUTATIONAL STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGY Edited by: B.H.V. Topping, M. Papadrakakis Chapter 2 Computational Tools for Structural Analysis with Uncertainties: Software Technology and Large-Scale Applications G.I. Schuëller and M.F. Pellissetti Chair of Engineering Mechanics, University of Innsbruck, Austria doi:10.4203/csets.19.2 purchase the full-text of this chapter Full Bibliographic Reference for this chapter G.I. Schuëller, M.F. Pellissetti, "Computational Tools for Structural Analysis with Uncertainties: Software Technology and Large-Scale Applications", in B.H.V. Topping, M. Papadrakakis, (Editors), "Trends in Computational Structures Technology", Saxe-Coburg Publications, Stirlingshire, UK, Chapter 2, pp 25-54, 2008. doi:10.4203/csets.19.2 Keywords: stochastic structural analysis, parallel processing, advanced simulation, structural analysis software. Summary Significant progress has been made recently in the rational treatment of uncertainties in large finite elemtn (FE) models of complex structures [1], but the development of the corresponding software is still lagging behind [2]. The present contribution addresses methodological, conceptual and practical aspects related to software development for structural reliability analysis. From the methodological point of view, advanced simulation methods are emphasized, since they are most robust with respect to the number of uncertain parameters in the numerical model and hence more suitable for the analysis of large FE models of complex structures. With respect to the implementation, particular weight is attached to the interaction of the FE software and the uncertainty analysis software. Furthermore, the utilization of parallel computing is presented as a key requirement on any reliability analysis software. The above issues are discussed and elucidated in the context of a software tool for uncertainty and reliability analysis, COSSAN^TM, which has been developed by the authors and their coworkers. In this code the interaction with third party FE tools has been accomplished both by integrating the uncertainty analysis into the FE code and by creating a standalone application which interfaces with the FE code in a non- or little intrusive fashion. The features included in the COSSAN^TM software include reliability analysis, stochastic finite element analysis, optimization, sensitivity and robustness analysis, as well as tools for parallel processing. In order to demonstrate the application of the software, two examples from structural engineering are presented, namely a satellite structure under harmonic excitation and a multi-storey building subjected to stochastic ground acceleration. In summary the paper emphasizes that there is no plausible motivation to forego the possibilities offered by systematic uncertainty analysis in structural engineering, since all ingredients - i.e. the theoretical basis, the efficient algorithms and the computing resources - are in place. References [1] C.A. Schenk, G.I. Schuëller, "Uncertainty Assessment of Large Finite Element Systems", Springer-Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York, 2005. [2] M.F. Pellissetti, G.I. Schuëller, "On general purpose software in structural reliability", Structural Safety, 28, 3-16, 2006. doi:10.1016/j.strusafe.2005.03.004 purchase the full-text of this chapter (price £20) go to the previous chapter go to the next chapter return to the table of contents return to the book description purchase this book (price £88 +P&P)
Back to top	©Civil-Comp Limited 2023 - terms & conditions