Module 9 Introduction to Advanced Topics

Lesson M09-04

Text: Section 13, Pages 12 – 18

Duration: 41 minutes

Strength/Stress Analysis

In this lesson, we introduce a method of quantifying risk by calculating failure probabilities based on a characterization of a stress distribution and a strength distribution. A failure occurs when a unit randomly encounters a stress that exceeds its inherent strength. The theory for normally distributed distributions is discussed and an example is worked through. We also discuss the option of using simulation to estimate failure probabilities. This is especially useful when either the stress or strength distribution is not well described by the normal model.