Interval dynamic response analysis of structures with interval parameters

Abstract

Dynamic response analysis of truss structures with interval parameters under interval loads are investigated using a new method called the interval factor method (IFM). Using the IFM, the structural physical parameters, geometric dimensions, and loads can be considered as interval variables. The structural stiffness and mass matrices can then, respectively, be described by the product of two parts corresponding to the deterministic matrix and the interval factors of structural parameters. The computational expressions for the midpoint value, lower and upper bounds of the structural dynamic responses are derived by means of the mode superposition method and interval operations. The influences of the uncertainty of the structural parameters and loads on the structural dynamic responses are demonstrated by using truss structures.