On the application of intervening variables for stochastic finite element analysis

This paper investigates the application of first order Taylor series expansion considering intervening variables for estimating second order statistics for problems of stochastic finite element analysis. In particular, two types of intervening variables are considered. The focus is on studying the response of linear elastic static structures whose properties are characterized by means of log-normal random fields. Results obtained indicate that the use of intervening variables can lead to improved estimation of second order statistics when compared with traditional approaches based on Taylor series while numerical efforts remain similar.

► Intervening variables are applied for stochastic finite element analysis (SFEM).
► Linear static structural systems involving log-normal random fields are studied.
► Two types of intervening variables are proposed.
► Results indicate intervening variables can be advantageous for SFEM.