Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/L62313/01
Title:	CAPABILITY ANALYSIS AND PROBABILISTIC DESIGN
Principal Investigator:	Swift, Professor K
Other Investigators:	Raines, Dr M
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	BAE Systems Lucas Varity plc Radiocommunications Agency
Department:	Engineering
Organisation:	University of Hull
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 July 1997	Ends:	30 June 2000	Value (£):	144,529
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Design & Testing Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
There are numerous applications for probabilistic approaches in mechanical design. A number of important applications exist in design optimisation and reliability engineering, specifically where it would be useful to explore the level of random failure, resulting from the interaction of the distributions of stress loading and component strength. However, a number of researchers have identified the lack of data related to the distribution of strength as a major obstacle to its application. Research at Hull has lead to techniques which enable process capability prediction at the design stage and this makes new progress possible in the filed of probabilistic methods.+ The project deliverables over the three years are:+ Tolerance Stack Analysis Models+ Strength Distribution Models+ Load Distribution Models+ Load/Strength Interaction Model+ A probabilistic Design Handbook.Methods and data resulting form the research, including worked case studies, will be incorporated in a user-friendly design handbook which can be readily taken up by engineering businesses. It will aimed at design engineers to help tackle the common problems associated with capability prediction and strength/stress interaction in product design.The research is timely since many organizations are trying to move towards a culture of design analysis rather than prototype testing and inspection and it will be particularly useful where test to failure is not a practical proposition, or where weight minimisation and ;/or material cost reduction is important.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.hull.ac.uk