T. Lahmer¹, J. Ilg², R. Lerch²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.106, No.2, pp. 105-126, 2015, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2015.106.105

Abstract In the recent years many publications appeared putting emphasis on the simulation-based identification of piezoelectric material parameters from electrical or mechanical measurements and combinations of them. By experience, one is aware of the importance of a single input parameter. However, it is not yet fully understood and in particular quantified to which extend missing knowledge in the single parameters (parameter uncertainty) influences the quality of the model's prognosis. In this paper, we adapt and apply variance-based sensitivity measures to models describing the piezoelectric effect in the linear case and derive global information about the single input parameter's sensitivities. More >

S. Turrin¹, M. Hanss¹, A.P.S. Selvadurai²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.52, No.3, pp. 237-258, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.052.237

Abstract Despite the continuing advances in rockfall analysis, the mathematical modeling and simulation of rockfall phenomena continues to be significantly influenced by a large amount of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty on significant number of model parameters. This paper focuses on the representation and quantification of epistemic uncertainties in rockfall modeling and simulation by fuzzy numbers. The propagation of the epistemic uncertainties considered is then calculated by the transformation method as a practical implementation of fuzzy arithmetic. Epistemic uncertainties on the material properties, on the boulder geometry and dimensions, on the kinematics of the impact and on the contact response between boulder… More >

F. Fleissner¹, T. Haag², M. Hanss², P. Eberhard¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.52, No.2, pp. 181-196, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.052.181

Abstract In alpine regions human settlements and infrastructure are at risk to be hit by landslides or other types of geological flows. This paper presents a new approach that can aid the design of protective constructions. An uncertainty analysis of the flow around a debris barrier is carried out using a chute flow laboratory model of the actual debris flow. A series of discrete element simulations thereby serves to compare and assess two different barrier designs. In this study, the transformation method of fuzzy arithmetic is used to investigate the influence of epistemically uncertain model parameters. It turns out that parameter… More >