This monograph considers engineering systems with random parame ters. Its context, format, and timing are correlated with the intention of accelerating the evolution of the challenging field of Stochastic Finite Elements. The random system parameters are modeled as second order stochastic processes defined by their mean and covari ance functions. Relying on the spectral properties of the covariance function, the Karhunen-Loeve expansion is used' to represent these processes in terms of a countable set of un correlated random vari ables. Thus, the problem is cast in a finite dimensional setting. Then, various spectral approximations for the stochastic response of the system are obtained based on different criteria. Implementing the concept of Generalized Inverse as defined by the Neumann Ex pansion, leads to an explicit expression for the response process as a multivariate polynomial functional of a set of un correlated random variables. Alternatively, the solution process is treated as an element in the Hilbert space of random functions, in which a spectral repre sentation in terms of the Polynomial Chaoses is identified. In this context, the solution process is approximated by its projection onto a finite subspace spanned by these polynomials.

The book provides a self-contained treatment of stochastic finite element methods. It helps the reader to establish a solid background on stochastic and reliability analysis of structural systems and enables practicing engineers to better manage the concepts of analysis and design in the presence of uncertainty. The book covers the basic topics of computational stochastic mechanics focusing on the stochastic analysis of structural systems in the framework of the finite element method. The target audience primarily comprises students in a postgraduate program specializing in structural engineering but the book may also be beneficial to practicing engineers and research experts alike.

The first complete guide to using the Stochastic Finite Element Method for reliability assessment Unlike other analytical reliability estimation techniques, the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM) can be used for both implicit and explicit performance functions, making it a particularly powerful and robust tool for today's engineer. This book, written by two pioneers in SFEM-based methodologies, shows how to use SFEM for the reliability analysis of a wide range of structures. It begins by reviewing essential risk concepts, currently available risk evaluation procedures, and the use of analytical and sampling methods in estimating risk. Next, it introduces SFEM evaluation procedures, with detailed coverage of displacement-based and stress-based deterministic finite element approaches. Linear, nonlinear, static, and dynamic problems are considered separately to demonstrate the robustness of the methods. The risk or reliability estimation procedure for each case is presented in different chapters, with theory complemented by a useful series of examples. Integrating advanced concepts in risk-based design, finite elements, and mechanics, Reliability Assessment Using Stochastic Finite Element Analysis is vital reading for engineering professionals and students in all areas of the field.

Combines two crucial techniques created to deal with complex problems of modern engineering--the finite element method and stochastic analysis. By utilizing the computationally effective finite element approach, it offers a means to obtain extremely useful insight into the way in which ever-existing structural uncertainties propagate. Includes the latest research on the topic of stochastic finite elements. Computer programs, available on request, demonstrate the theory.

This text presents a highly original treatment of the fundamentals of FEM, developed using computer algebra, based on undergraduate-level engineering mathematics and the mechanics of solids. The book is divided into two distinct parts of nine chapters and seven appendices. The first chapter reviews the energy concepts in structural mechanics with bar problems, which is continued in the next chapter for truss analysis using Mathematica programs. The Courant and Clough triangular elements for scalar potentials and linear elasticity are covered in chapters three and four, followed by four-node elements. Chapters five and six describe Taig’s isoparametric interpolants and Iron’s patch test. Rayleigh vector modes, which satisfy point-wise equilibrium, are elaborated on in chapter seven along with successful patch tests in the physical (x,y) Cartesian frame. Chapter eight explains point-wise incompressibility and employs (Moore-Penrose) inversion of rectangular matrices. The final chapter analyzes patch-tests in all directions and introduces five-node elements for linear stresses. Curved boundaries and higher order stresses are addressed in closed algebraic form. Appendices give a short introduction to Mathematica, followed by truss analysis using symbolic codes that could be used in all FEM problems to assemble element matrices and solve for all unknowns. All Mathematica codes for theoretical formulations and graphics are included with extensive numerical examples.

The functionality of modern structural, mechanical and electrical or electronic systems depends on their ability to perform under uncertain conditions. Consideration of uncertainties and their effect on system behavior is an essential and integral part of defining systems. In eleven chapters, leading experts present an overview of the current state of uncertainty modeling, analysis and design of large systems in four major areas: finite and boundary element methods (common structural analysis techniques), fatigue, stability analysis, and fault-tolerant systems. The content of this book is unique; it describes exciting research developments and challenges in emerging areas, and provide a sophisticated toolbox for tackling uncertainty modeling in real systems.

The finite element method (FEM) can be successfully applied to various field problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and electrical engineering. This text discusses finite element methods for structures with large stochastic variations.

This book is a tutorial written by researchers and developers behind the FEniCS Project and explores an advanced, expressive approach to the development of mathematical software. The presentation spans mathematical background, software design and the use of FEniCS in applications. Theoretical aspects are complemented with computer code which is available as free/open source software. The book begins with a special introductory tutorial for beginners. Following are chapters in Part I addressing fundamental aspects of the approach to automating the creation of finite element solvers. Chapters in Part II address the design and implementation of the FEnicS software. Chapters in Part III present the application of FEniCS to a wide range of applications, including fluid flow, solid mechanics, electromagnetics and geophysics.

The increasing industrial demand for reliable quantification and management of uncertainty in product performance forces engineers to employ probabilistic models in analysis and design, a fact that has occasioned considerable research and development activities in the field. Notes on Stochastics eventually address the topic of computational stochastic mechanics. The single volume uniquely presents tutorials on essential probabilistics and statistics, recent finite element methods for stochastic analysis by Taylor series expansion as well as Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Design improvement and robust optimisation represent key issues as does reliability assessment. The subject is developed for solids and structures of elastic and elasto-plastic material, large displacements and material deformation processes; principles are transferable to various disciplines. A chapter is devoted to the statistical comparison of systems exhibiting random scatter. Where appropriate examples illustrate the theory, problems to solve appear instructive; applications are presented with relevance to engineering practice. The book, emanating from a university course, includes research and development in the field of computational stochastic analysis and optimization. It is intended for advanced students in engineering and for professionals who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in computational mechanics to the domain of stochastics. Contents: Introduction, Randomness, Structural analysis by Taylor series expansion, Design optimization, Robustness, Monte Carlo techniques for system response and design improvement, Reliability, Time variant phenomena, Material deformation processes, Analysis and comparison of data sets, Probability distribution of test functions.

The pricing of derivative instruments has always been a highly complex and time-consuming activity. Advances in technology, however, have enabled much quicker and more accurate pricing through mathematical rather than analytical models. In this book, the author bridges the divide between finance and mathematics by applying this proven mathematical technique to the financial markets. Utilising practical examples, the author systematically describes the processes involved in a manner accessible to those without a deep understanding of mathematics. * Explains little understood techniques that will assist in the accurate more speedy pricing of options * Centres on the practical application of these useful techniques * Offers a detailed and comprehensive account of the methods involved and is the first to explore the application of these particular techniques to the financial markets