55,278 research outputs found
Polynomial-Chaos-based Kriging
Computer simulation has become the standard tool in many engineering fields
for designing and optimizing systems, as well as for assessing their
reliability. To cope with demanding analysis such as optimization and
reliability, surrogate models (a.k.a meta-models) have been increasingly
investigated in the last decade. Polynomial Chaos Expansions (PCE) and Kriging
are two popular non-intrusive meta-modelling techniques. PCE surrogates the
computational model with a series of orthonormal polynomials in the input
variables where polynomials are chosen in coherency with the probability
distributions of those input variables. On the other hand, Kriging assumes that
the computer model behaves as a realization of a Gaussian random process whose
parameters are estimated from the available computer runs, i.e. input vectors
and response values. These two techniques have been developed more or less in
parallel so far with little interaction between the researchers in the two
fields. In this paper, PC-Kriging is derived as a new non-intrusive
meta-modeling approach combining PCE and Kriging. A sparse set of orthonormal
polynomials (PCE) approximates the global behavior of the computational model
whereas Kriging manages the local variability of the model output. An adaptive
algorithm similar to the least angle regression algorithm determines the
optimal sparse set of polynomials. PC-Kriging is validated on various benchmark
analytical functions which are easy to sample for reference results. From the
numerical investigations it is concluded that PC-Kriging performs better than
or at least as good as the two distinct meta-modeling techniques. A larger gain
in accuracy is obtained when the experimental design has a limited size, which
is an asset when dealing with demanding computational models
A Method for the Combination of Stochastic Time Varying Load Effects
The problem of evaluating the probability that a structure becomes unsafe under a
combination of loads, over a given time period, is addressed. The loads and load effects
are modeled as either pulse (static problem) processes with random occurrence time, intensity and a specified shape or intermittent continuous (dynamic problem) processes which
are zero mean Gaussian processes superimposed 'on a pulse process. The load coincidence
method is extended to problems with both nonlinear limit states and dynamic responses,
including the case of correlated dynamic responses. The technique of linearization of a
nonlinear limit state commonly used in a time-invariant problem is investigated for timevarying
combination problems, with emphasis on selecting the linearization point. Results
are compared with other methods, namely the method based on upcrossing rate, simpler
combination rules such as Square Root of Sum of Squares and Turkstra's rule. Correlated
effects among dynamic loads are examined to see how results differ from correlated static
loads and to demonstrate which types of load dependencies are most important, i.e., affect'
the exceedance probabilities the most.
Application of the load coincidence method to code development is briefly discussed.National Science Foundation Grants CME 79-18053 and CEE 82-0759
Optimal management of bio-based energy supply chains under parametric uncertainty through a data-driven decision-support framework
This paper addresses the optimal management of a multi-objective bio-based energy supply chain network subjected to multiple sources of uncertainty. The complexity to obtain an optimal solution using traditional uncertainty management methods dramatically increases with the number of uncertain factors considered. Such a complexity produces that, if tractable, the problem is solved after a large computational effort. Therefore, in this work a data-driven decision-making framework is proposed to address this issue. Such a framework exploits machine learning techniques to efficiently approximate the optimal management decisions considering a set of uncertain parameters that continuously influence the process behavior as an input. A design of computer experiments technique is used in order to combine these parameters and produce a matrix of representative information. These data are used to optimize the deterministic multi-objective bio-based energy network problem through conventional optimization methods, leading to a detailed (but elementary) map of the optimal management decisions based on the uncertain parameters. Afterwards, the detailed data-driven relations are described/identified using an Ordinary Kriging meta-model. The result exhibits a very high accuracy of the parametric meta-models for predicting the optimal decision variables in comparison with the traditional stochastic approach. Besides, and more importantly, a dramatic reduction of the computational effort required to obtain these optimal values in response to the change of the uncertain parameters is achieved. Thus the use of the proposed data-driven decision tool promotes a time-effective optimal decision making, which represents a step forward to use data-driven strategy in large-scale/complex industrial problems.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
A model checker for performance and dependability properties
Markov chains are widely used in the context of
performance and reliability evaluation of systems of various
nature. Model checking of such chains with respect to
a given (branching) temporal logic formula has been proposed
for both the discrete [8] and the continuous time setting
[1], [3]. In this short paper, we describe the prototype
model checker for discrete and continuous-time
Markov chains, where properties are expressed in appropriate
extensions of CTL.We illustrate the general benefits
of this approach and discuss the structure of the tool
Meta-models for structural reliability and uncertainty quantification
A meta-model (or a surrogate model) is the modern name for what was
traditionally called a response surface. It is intended to mimic the behaviour
of a computational model M (e.g. a finite element model in mechanics) while
being inexpensive to evaluate, in contrast to the original model which may take
hours or even days of computer processing time. In this paper various types of
meta-models that have been used in the last decade in the context of structural
reliability are reviewed. More specifically classical polynomial response
surfaces, polynomial chaos expansions and kriging are addressed. It is shown
how the need for error estimates and adaptivity in their construction has
brought this type of approaches to a high level of efficiency. A new technique
that solves the problem of the potential biasedness in the estimation of a
probability of failure through the use of meta-models is finally presented.Comment: Keynote lecture Fifth Asian-Pacific Symposium on Structural
Reliability and its Applications (5th APSSRA) May 2012, Singapor
Aging concrete structures: a review of mechanics and concepts
The safe and cost-efficient management of our built infrastructure is a challenging task considering the expected service life of at least 50 years. In spite of time-dependent changes in material properties, deterioration processes and changing demand by society, the structures need to satisfy many technical requirements related to serviceability, durability, sustainability and bearing capacity. This review paper summarizes the challenges associated with the safe design and maintenance of aging concrete structures and gives an overview of some concepts and approaches that are being developed to address these challenges
A tool for model-checking Markov chains
Markov chains are widely used in the context of the performance and reliability modeling of various systems. Model checking of such chains with respect to a given (branching) temporal logic formula has been proposed for both discrete [34, 10] and continuous time settings [7, 12]. In this paper, we describe a prototype model checker for discrete and continuous-time Markov chains, the Erlangen-Twente Markov Chain Checker EÎMC2, where properties are expressed in appropriate extensions of CTL. We illustrate the general benefits of this approach and discuss the structure of the tool. Furthermore, we report on successful applications of the tool to some examples, highlighting lessons learned during the development and application of EÎMC2
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