A Stochastic Approach to Integrated Vehicle Reliability Prediction

This paper addresses some aspects of an on-going multiyear research project of GP Technologies in collaboration with University of Wisconsin-Madison for US Army TARDEC. The focus of this research project is to enhance the overall vehicle reliability prediction process. A combination of stochastic models for both the vehicle and operational environment are utilized to determine the range of the system dynamic response. These dynamic results are used as inputs into a finite element analysis of stresses on subsystem components. Finally, resulting stresses are used for damage modeling and life and reliability predictions. This paper describes few selected aspects of the new integrated ground vehicle reliability prediction approach. The integrated approach combines the computational stochastic mechanics predictions with available statistical experimental databases for assessing vehicle system reliability. Such an integrated reliability prediction approach represents an essential part of an intelligent virtual prototyping environment for ground vehicle design and testing.Copyright © 2009 by ASME