Probabilistic finite elements for nonlinear structural dynamics (Q1064840)

A finite element method applicable to truss structures for the determination of the probabilistic distribution of the dynamic response has been developed. Several solutions have been obtained for the mean and variance of displacements and stresses of a truss structure; nonlinearities due to material and geometrical effects have also been included. In addition, to test this method, Monte Carlo simulations have been used and a new method with implicit and/or explicit time integration and Hermite-Gauss quadrature has also been developed and used. All these methodologies have been implemented into a pilot computer code with dimensional bar elements.