Equal Probability Load Conditions in Random Analysis

This paper describes and illustrates a method to derive design stresses on structural parts subjected to random loads.

Two sets of random loads have special properties and are suitable for practical use. The first is a balanced (time correlated) load condition, while the other with an equal probability is based on an eigenvector solution. The random loads are generated, for example, by MSC/NASTRAN Frequency Response Solution, using the Random module that calculates the related RMS values.

Results for a sandwich plate of a satellite structure are presented and it is shown that the equal probability method yields design stresses that are closer to optimal (smaller) or at most equal to the results of the worst-case approach.