ProFES probabilisitc finite element system - Bringing probabilistic mechanics to the desktop

Abstract

ProFES is a probabilistic finite element analysis system that allows designers to perform probabilistic finite element analysis in a 3D graphical environment that is completely familiar and similar to modern deterministic FEA. ProFES is built on an innovative data-driven software architecture that seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art probabilistic mechanics techniques with commercial CAD and CAE software to make it practical and feasible to execute probabilistic analysis of complex structural components. This capability allows engineers to use powerful probabilistic techniques to solve challenging problems such as probabilistic high cycle fatigue (HCF) analysis without the need for extensive training in probabilistic mechanics techniques. Industry partners in the ProFES development include: GE, Pratt&Whitney, Allison Engine, General Motors and commercial FEA vendors ANSYS and MSC/NASTRAN. This paper describes ProFES and probabilistic mechanics and shows three demonstration problems run using ProFES.