Mechanics and Uncertainty [Hardcover]

Science is a quest for certainty, but lack of certainty is the driving force behind all of its endeavors. This book, specifically, examines the uncertainty of technological and industrial science. Uncertainty and Mechanics studies the concepts of mechanical design in an uncertain setting and explains engineering techniques for inventing cost-effective products. Though it references practical applications, this is a book about ideas and potential advances in mechanical science.

Foreword vii

Preface xi

Introduction xv

Chapter 1. Understanding Uncertainty 1

1.1. Uncertainty and reality 1

1.1.1. Awareness of uncertainty 1

1.1.2. Territories of uncertainty 4

1.1.3. Conclusion 8

1.2. Robustness and reliability 9

1.2.1. Robustness 9

1.2.2. Reliability 13

1.2.3. Relationship between robustness and reliability 16

1.2.4. Optimizing robustness and reliability 19

1.2.5. Conclusion 21

1.3. Designing for robust production 22

1.3.1. Robustness and lifecycles 22

1.3.2. Description of the V cycle 23

1.3.3. Uncertainty in the V cycle 25

1.3.4. Uncertainty linked to a step in the V cycle 29

1.3.5. Robustness and uncertainty 33

1.3.6. Conclusion 38

Chapter 2. Modeling Uncertainty 41

2.1. Random uncertainty 41

2.1.1. Modeling uncertainty 41

2.1.2. Exploration of Mediocristan 42

2.1.3. From statistics to probabilities 47

2.1.4. Polynomial chaos 50

2.1.5. Exploration of Extremistan 52