STOCHASTIC FINITE-ELEMENTS FOR CRASH PROBLEMS

A stochastic finite element technique, based on the association of a response surface scheme with the "impact" finite-element code PAMCRASH, is implemented. The actual response is modelled by a piecewise idealization which combines several response surface interpolations. In such a way greater accuracy is obtained in the tails of the response probability distribution; the latter plays a basic role in reliability assessment. Crash problems are studied by analysing a structure representative, for frontal impact, of a classical automobile system. The structure is assumed to have stochastic properties and is studied during the crash against a rigid obstacle. The response variable of interest is the maximum value of the force on the rigid trolley-truck to which the system is connected. © 1990.