Uncertainty in Mechanics Problems—Interval–Based Approach

Abstract

This paper presents a nontraditional uncertainty treatment for mechanics problems. Uncertainties are introduced as bounded possible values (intervals). Interval finite-element methods, developed by the authors, are used in the present formulation. To account for different types of uncertainties in linear static problems an interval linear system of equations is developed. A guaranteed enclosure for the solution of interval linear system of equations is achievable and usually is not sharp and very conservative; however, an exact enclosure is not known to be obtained in the general case of such systems. In this work, a very sharp enclosure for the solution set, due to loading, material and geometric uncertainty in solid mechanics problems, is obtained. The new formulation is based on an element-by-element technique. Element matrices are formulated, based on the physics of materials, and the Lagrange multiplier method is applied to impose the necessary constraints for compatibility and equilibrium. Most sources of overestimation were eliminated, and a very sharp solution is obtained. A number of numerical examples are introduced.