Evaluation of Probabilistic Finite Element Method in Comparison with Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract The formulation of the probabilistic finite element method was briefly reviewed. The method was implemented into a computer program for frame analysis which has the same analogy as finite element analysis. Another program for Monte Carlo simulation of finite element analysis was written. Two sample structures were assumed and analized. The characteristics of the second moment statistics obtained by the probabilistic finite element method was examined through numerical studies. The applicability and limitation of the method were also evaluated in comparison with the data generated by Monte Carlo simulation.