Non Deterministic Approaches

by David Moens, Hilde De Gersem, Dirk Vandepitte, and Wim Desmet

This paper discusses different types of non-deterministic parameters that may be relevant in different stages of engineering analysis. The entire cycle of development of a product is considered, and it is shown that the relevance of methods is different in different stages of the development cycle.

A classification of different types of non-deterministic properties is presented. Based on the nature of these different classes of model properties, it is discussed to what degree each of these fits in the framework of either a probabilistic or a non-probabilistic concept.

Probabilistic methods are applicable in later stages of development, when a sufficiently large database of product data has been gathered. Probabilistic approaches are perfectly suited for conditions when the product is already in service. Possibilistic analysis on the other hand is best suited for application in cases when the data set about the product at hand is still incomplete.