Blending Hierarchical Economic Decision Matrices (EDM) With FE and Stochastic Modeling: I — Methodology and Refining EDM

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of a three-level hierarchy of economic-decision matrices (EDM) and discusses how finite element (FE) and stochastic modeling can be coupled in decisions on quality control. A disadvantage of the deterministic-engineering approach is that quality control cannot be properly accessed by a corresponding EDM. A five-step design-strategy is outlined and various suggestions associated with these steps are presented in the paper. This design-strategy is then quantified by the consideration of a hypothetical reverse-engineering problem involving a U-shaped bracket with cut-outs and holes. The paper presents the results of numerical experiments (sensitivity study) involving six preliminary variates (Yield Strength, Young’s Modulus, thicknesses, magnitude and phase of the forces, and displacement B.C). The final primary variates are assumed to be governed by a Gaussian distribution, and the methodology of applying the classical Z-statistic method to the FE results are presented.