Interval, ellipsoidal, and super-ellipsoidal calculi for experimental and theoretical treatment of uncertainty: Which one ought to be preferred?

Abstract

In this study we compare three calculi listed in the title for analysis of structures involving uncertainty. The main idea is based on the consideration that the maximum structural response predicted by the preferred theory ought to be minimal, and the minimum structural response predicted by the preferred theory ought to be maximal, to constitute a lower overestimation. We present analytic results that allow one to calculate the structural response via the interval, ellipsoidal or super-ellipsoidal calculus. We provide several examples of truss structures and illustrate that in different situations, depending on the available data, one of these calculi ought to be preferred. Conclusion is made on the preferable approach to be the super-ellipsoidal calculus.