Structure buckling hybrid reliability analysis of a supercavitating projectile using a model with truncated probability and multi-ellipsoid convex set uncertainties

Structure buckling problems for supercavitating projectiles are often observed in high underwater velocity operating conditions. As a result, it is necessary to perform a structure buckling reliability analysis. It is common that \hboxprobabilistic and nonprobabilistic uncertainty information exist simultaneously. Also, it is reasonable that probability distributions of most random variables in engineering are treated as truncated probability distributions. In this paper, a new hybrid model is proposed, which deals with structure performance function with both truncated probability distribution variables and multi-ellipsoid convex set variables. The model discussed here is adapted for two separate cases in the standard super-sphere space, i.e., limit state surface interferences with a unit super-sphere region or not. The hybrid reliability index is calculated using a modified limit step length iteration algorithm to ensure convergence. Good convergence and validity of the iteration algorithm are verified using numerical examples with highly nonlinear structure performance function. The hybrid model is applied to the structure buckling hybrid reliability analysis of a supercavitating projectile. Results show that structure buckling hybrid reliability index increases with the increase in the ratio of base diameter to cavitator diameter, and decreases with the increase of initial launch velocity. Also, uncertainty degree of cavitator drag coefficient and initial launch velocity should be controlled in demonstration for high structure buckling reliability of supercavitating projectiles.