Model Validation & Uncertainty Quantification

The purpose of the Technical Division on Model Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (MV&UQ) shall be to provide maximum technical benefits to its members by:

• Promoting the advancement and understanding of MV&UQ theory and methods by providing a forum for the exchange of information on MV&UQ theory, methods, applications, and related activities.
• Promoting “best practices” in the areas of experimental testing and validated simulations through the use of MV&UQ methods.
• Providing educational opportunities to promote the understanding and use of proven MV&UQ methods.
• Whenever possible, promoting the exchange of information and coordinating MV&UQ related activities with other technical or professional societies.

Bylaws

Background

	Minutes of the February 2011 Meeting of the Technical Division
	Download the IMAC XXVII Plenary Lecture: Industrial Perspective of V&V in Engineering Decisions by Dr. John A. Cafeo, General Motors Research & Development
	Model Validation & Updating Tutorial Presented at IMAC XXVII, February 10, 2009, Orlando, FL
	Paper & Presentation #1  Introduction to Model Validation By Thomas L. Paez   Paper & Presentation #2 Probabilistic Methods in Model Validation By Thomas L. Paez & Laura Swiler   Paper & Presentation #3  A Structural Dynamics Model Validation Example with Actual Hardware By Randy Mayes, Keith Miller, Wil Holzmann, Greg Tipton, Charles Adams	Paper & Presentation #4 Developing Adequacy Criteria for Model Validation Based on Requirements By Randy Mayes   Paper & Presentation #5 Model Correlation and Calibration By Randy Mayes   Paper & Presentation #5 Epistemic Uncertainty Quantification Tutorial By Laura P. Swiler, Thomas L. Paez, Randall L. Mayes

Model Validation and Uncertainty Quantification Division - Updated April 2012

The Model Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (MVUQ) technical division seeks to address issues of credible numerical simulation linked to the activities of the SEM.  It’s aims are to promote the advancement and understanding of MVUQ theory and methods; to disseminate ‘best practice’ in the areas of experimental testing and validated simulation; to provide educational opportunities to promote the understanding and use of proven MV&UQ methods; and to support the exchange of information in MVUQ-related areas with other technical or professional societies.

The TD met for the eight year at IMAC XXX in Jacksonville, Fl. The TD had a good showing with four sessions dedicated to MVUQ at the 2012 conference, with a total of 19 papers presented in the four tracks:

• Robustness to Lack of Knowledge in Design (tutorial + 3 papers)
• Bayesian and Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods (tutorial + 5 papers)
• Uncertainty Quantification (6 papers)
• Model Calibration (5 papers)

The number of sessions maintained the good showing at IMAC XXIX. In addition to the papers presented, invited tutorials were given on Info-Gap Analysis and Design of Structures by Prof Yakov Ben-Haim and The Bayesian Paradign for Quantifying Uncertainty and The Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method by Prof Nozer Singpurwalla. As in previous conferences there was variety between the sessions offered year-on-year. See below for a list of proposed sessions for the forthcoming IMAC conferences.

We would like to congratulate our Model Validation and Uncertainty Quantification best paper award winners L. G. Horta, M. C. Reaves, M. S. Annett, and  K. E. Jackson for their paper “Multi‐Dimensional Calibration of Impact Dynamics Models.”  We appreciate the effort that goes into generating an award winning paper.

The annual meeting of the TD took place during IMAC with 14 members in attendance. There were no elections this year. These are due to take place during the TD meeting at IMAC XXXI in Orange County. As ever, interest in the positions is warmly invite and we would encourage those interested in contributing to the committee to contact existing officers if they have any questions relating to the roles. Additionally, new TD members are always appreciated.

Several candidate sessions for the 2013 conference were put forward. These included:

• Uncertainty Quantification
• Robust Design
• Uncertainty Quantification of Nonlinear Systems
• Model Validation Applications

We have also proposed to reteach our model validation and uncertainty quantification short course with a potential to expand it to a two day class.  We would be interested to hear of either potential students or instructors for the course.  Please contact one of the officers for information.

As always, the MVUQ TD would like to expand its preconference course offerings and sessions and is always interested in hearing new ideas. If you would like to be involved in the sessions listed above, or if you have any thoughts on sessions you would like to see offered by the MVUQ TD at future conferences, please get in touch with the TD officers.

Examples of V&V Projects

Modal response of composite laminate plates.