HYPAD-UQ: A Derivative-Based Uncertainty Quantification Method Using a Hypercomplex Finite Element Method

Abstract A derivative-based uncertainty quantification (UQ) method called HYPAD-UQ that utilizes sensitivities from a computational model was developed to approximate the statistical moments and Sobol' indices of the model output. Hypercomplex automatic differentiation (HYPAD) was used as a means to obtain accurate high-order partial derivatives from computational models such as finite element analyses. These sensitivities are used to construct a surrogate model of the output using a Taylor series expansion and subsequently used to estimate statistical moments (mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis) and Sobol' indices using algebraic expansions. The uncertainty in a transient linear heat transfer analysis was quantified with HYPAD-UQ using first-order through seventh-order partial derivatives with respect to seven random variables encompassing material properties, geometry, and boundary conditions. Random sampling of the analytical solution and the regression-based stochastic perturbation finite element method were also conducted to compare accuracy and computational cost. The results indicate that HYPAD-UQ has superior accuracy for the same computational effort compared to the regression-based stochastic perturbation finite element method. Sensitivities calculated with HYPAD can allow higher-order Taylor series expansions to be an effective and practical UQ method.