On generalized stochastic perturbation-based finite element method

Generalized nth order stochastic perturbation technique, that can be applied to solve some boundary value or boundary initial problems in computational physics and/or engineering with random parameters is proposed here. This technique is demonstrated in conjunction with the finite element method (FEM) to model ID linear elastostatics problem with a single random variable. The symbolic computer program is employed to perform computational studies on convergence of the first two probabilistic moments for simple unidirectional tension of a bar. These numerical studies verify the influence of coefficient of variation of the random input and, at the same time, of the perturbation parameter on the first two probabilistic moments of the final solution vector. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.