An equivalent RBDO method under the hybrid of fuzzy and interval variables in the worst case

Abstract

AbstractIn the reliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) problems of structures or systems, only a single type of variable involving is rare, and most of time are hybrid variables. Random variables are often used to describe uncertainty, and these random variables can usually be described by certain probability distributions. However, in practice, the probability distributions of some random variables are difficult or even impossible to be obtained, or the obtained probability distributions may be inaccurate, and can only be roughly described by fuzzy values or intervals. Therefore, this paper is committed to solving RBDO problems under the hybrid of fuzzy variables and interval variables. Firstly, the RBDO model of the structure under the hybrid variables is established. Secondly, the fuzzy variables are transformed to random variables according to entropy invariance. Finally, RBDO is carried out based on sequential single‐loop method in the worst case. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method.