Interval Finite Element Analysis using Interval Factor Method

A new method called the interval factor method for the finite element analysis of truss structures with interval parameters is presented in this paper. The structural parameters and applied forces can be considered as interval variables by using the interval factor method, the structural stiffness matrix can then be divided into the product of two parts corresponding to the interval factors and the deterministic value. From the static governing equations of interval finite element method of structures, the structural displacement and stress responses are expressed as the functions of the interval factors. The computational expressions for lower and upper bounds, mean value and interval change ratio of structural static responses are derived by means of the interval operations. The effect of the uncertainty of the structural parameters and applied forces on the structural displacement and stress responses is demonstrated by truss structures.