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For eigenvalue problems containing uncertain inputs characterized by fuzzy basic parameters, first-order perturbation methods have been developed to extract eigen-solutions, but either the result accuracy or the computational efficiency of these methods is less satisfactory. This paper presents an efficient method for estimation of fuzzy eigenvalues with high accuracy.

Based on the first order derivatives of eigenvalues and modes with respect to the fuzzy basic parameters, expressions of the second order derivatives of eigenvalues are formulated. Then a second-order perturbation method is introduced to provide more accurate fuzzy eigenvalue solutions. Only one eigenvalue solution is sought for the perturbed formulation, and quadratic programming is performed to simplify the alpha-level optimization.

Fuzzy natural frequencies and buckling loads of some structures are estimated with good accuracy, illustrating the high computational efficiency of the proposed method.

Up to the second order derivatives of the eigenvalues with respect to the basic parameters are represented in functional forms, which are used to introduce a second-order perturbation method for treatment of fuzzy eigenvalue problems. The corresponding alpha-level optimization is thus simplified into quadratic programming. The proposed method provides much more accurate interval solutions at alpha-cuts for the membership functions of fuzzy eigenvalues. Analogously, third- and higher-order perturbation methods can be developed for more stringent accuracy demands or for the treatment of stronger nonlinearity. The present work can be applied to realistic structural analysis in civil engineering, especially for those structures made of dispersed materials such as concrete and soil.

The purpose of this paper is to acquire strict upper and lower bounds on quantities of slender beams on Winkler foundation in finite element analysis.

It leans on the dual analysis wherein the constitutive relation error (CRE) is used to perform goal-oriented error estimation. Due to the coupling of the displacement field and the stress field in the equilibrium equations of the beam, the prolongation condition for the stress field which is the key ingredient of CRE estimation is not directly applicable. To circumvent this difficulty, an approximate problem and the solution thereof are introduced, enabling the CRE estimation to proceed. It is shown that the strict bounding property for CRE estimation is preserved and strict bounds of quantities of the beam are obtainable thereafter.

Numerical examples are presented to validate the strict upper and lower bounds for quantities of beams on elastic foundation by dual analysis.

This paper deals with one-dimensional (1D) beams on Winkler foundation. Nevertheless, the present work can be naturally extended to analysis of shells and 2D and 3D reaction-diffusion problems for future research.

CRE estimation is extended to analysis of beams on elastic foundation by a decoupling strategy; strict upper bounds of global energy norm error for beams on elastic foundation are obtained; strict bounds of quantities for beams on elastic foundation are also obtained; unified representation and corresponding dual analysis of various quantities of the beam are presented; rigorous derivation of admissible stresses for beams is given.