Performing global sensitivity analysis (GSA) can be challenging due to the combined effect of the high computational cost, but it is also essential for engineering decision making. To reduce this cost, surrogate modeling such as neural networks (NNs) are used to replace the expensive simulation model in the GSA process, which introduces the additional challenge of finding the minimum number of training data samples required to...

The paper addresses the issue of ventral hernia repair. Finite Element simulations can be helpful in the optimization of hernia parameters. A membrane abdominal wall model is proposed in two variants: a healthy one and including hernia defect repaired by implant. The models include many uncertainties, e.g. due to variability of abdominal wall, intraabdominal pressure value etc. Measuring mechanical properties with high accuracy...

Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is a method to quantify the effect of the input parameters on outputs of physics-based systems. Performing GSA can be challenging due to the combined effect of the high computational cost of each individual physics-based model, a large number of input parameters, and the need to perform repetitive model evaluations. To reduce this cost, neural networks (NNs) are used to replace the expensive physics-based...

The last half a century has seen spectacular progresses in computing and modelling in a variety of fields, applications, and methodologies. Over the same period, a cross-disciplinary field known as sensitivity analysis has been making its first steps, evolving from the design of experiments for laboratory or field studies, also called ‘in-vivo’, to the so-called experiments ‘in-silico’. Some disciplines were quick to realize the...

This work include an example of sensitivity analysis for the design of a composite footbridge. A sandwich structure is used, consisting two high-strength skins separated by a core material. The analysis was conducted for two numerical models. The first one is a simple, single-span beam of a composite cross-section (laminate and foam), with different Young’s modulus for each material. Calculations were made by means of a MATLAB-based...