Title: The role of nondeterminism in model verification and validation

Authors: Ben H. Thacker, Mark C. Anderson, Paul E. Senseny, Edward A. Rodriguez

Addresses: Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA. ' Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, MS P946, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. ' FM Global Research, 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike, P.O. Box 9102, Norwood, MA 02062, USA. ' Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663, ESA-WR, MS P946, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA

Abstract: Model verification and validation (V&V) is an enabling methodology for the development of computational models that can be used to make engineering predictions with quantified confidence. Model V&V procedures are needed to reduce the time, cost and risk associated with component and full-scale testing of products, materials, and engineered systems. Quantifying the confidence and predictive accuracy of model calculations provides the decision-maker with the information necessary for making high-consequence decisions. Development of guidelines and procedures for conducting a V&V programme are currently being defined by a broad spectrum of researchers. This paper briefly reviews the main concepts involved in model V&V and then focuses on the critical role that nondeterministic analysis plays in the V&V process.

Keywords: model verification; model validation; uncertainty quantification; engineering predictions; quantified confidence; nondeterministic analysis; reliability; probabilistic; uncertainty; error quantification.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2006.008279

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2006 Vol.25 No.1/2/3, pp.144 - 163

Published online: 28 Nov 2005 *

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