Optimization of Stochastic Mechanical Systems using Polynomial Chaos Expansion

This paper discusses stochastic optimization using polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) with Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS). PCE provides a means to quantify the uncertainty of highly non-linear structural models involving inherent randomness of geometric, material and loading properties. PCE, specifically the non-intrusive formulation, is used to construct surrogates of stochastic responses for optimization procedures. Then a standard optimization algorithm is used. In particular , the material properties of structural systems are assumed to be uncertain and treated as uncorrelated random variables. Implementation of the method is demonstrated for a three -bar structure and a complex engineering structure of an uninhabited joined-wing aircraft.