Title: Usage of meshfree methods in reliability analysis

Authors: Artemis Kloess, Hui-Ping Wang, Mark E. Botkin

Addresses: Vehicle Development Research Lab, General Motors R&D Center, Mail Code 480-106-256, 30500 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48090-9055, USA. ' Vehicle Development Research Lab, General Motors R&D Center, Mail Code 480-106-256, 30500 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48090-9055, USA. ' Vehicle Development Research Lab, General Motors R&D Center, Mail Code 480-106-256, 30500 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48090-9055, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the use of meshfree methods for response and design sensitivity calculations within structural reliability analysis when geometric shape is a random variable. Brief descriptions of meshfree methods and advanced probabilistic methods are provided. An existing interface between the probabilistic analysis and traditional finite element method is modified to allow the use of meshfree methods for response and design sensitivity calculations within the probabilistic analysis routine. Three examples that treat design shape and thickness as random variables are presented to assess the accuracy and use of meshfree methods for reliability analysis.

Keywords: meshfree methods; probabilistic analysis; structural reliability analysis; shape design sensitivity; reliability based design optimisation; RBDO; vehicle design; automobile industry; automotive design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRS.2006.010693

International Journal of Reliability and Safety, 2006 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.120 - 136

Published online: 19 Aug 2006 *

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