A Novel Method to Calculate the Dynamic Reliability of Space Structures Subjected to Multi-Dimensional Multi-Support Excitations

Abstract

Extensively researches have been carried out on seismic analysis of space structures subjected to multi-dimensional multi-support excitations. However, the research on dynamic reliability of stochastic response is just little. Extreme value distribution (EVD) of dynamic response of stochastic space structures is so necessary to dynamic reliability. Nevertheless, there is no effective approach to obtain EVD as yet. Hence the recently formulated probability density evolution method (PDEM) is adopted to obtain the EVD and subsequently evaluate dynamic reliability of space structure subjected to multi-dimensional multi-support excitations. PDEM can effectively gain the EVD and calculate the dynamic reliability of stochastic structures. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the PDEM in space structures, a single-layer spherical reticulated dome is extensively researched and the EVD and dynamic reliability is observed and analyzed, respectively. In the present paper five apparent wave velocities and four displacement thresholds in vertical direction are taken into consideration. Compared with the results evaluated by conventional simulation method, the PDEM is of accuracy, efficiency and versatility in space structures.