Structural response predictions compared to material property estimates for structural integrity assessment under operational uncertainty

Abstract

To examine structural integrity in consideration of operational uncertainties, we utilized structural response predictions obtained by transmitting estimates of structural system parameters into a simulation representing the actual system. For this purpose, we resolved inverse parameter estimation by Bayesian inference and constructed a forward model using certified reduced basis methods. For demonstration, we applied the proposed assessment strategy to two isotropic structural systems under static, linear elastic deformation: a beam and a plate subject to bending and shearing dominant loadings, respectively. Numerical investigation with emulated damage cases showed that structural response predictions were superior to material property estimates for inspecting structural integrity, particularly when operational uncertainties were not ignorable.