Stochastic Stress Analysis of Assembled Structures

Abstract

Intrinsic stress caused by uncertain members in an assembled structure is analyzed by means of the stochastic finite element method. Use is made of the second-order perturbation technique in the formulation of the stochastic finite element method, which is able to deal with uncertainties involved in the stiffness equation. The expectation and variance of the initial stresses in closed ring and portal frame are successfully estimated when the covariance matrix is given for uncertain fluctuation in the dimensions of the curved beam and quasi-straight beam members.