A mixed uncertain structural reliability analysis method considering random and convex set variables with correlation

Abstract In this paper, a mixed model reliability analysis method is put forward for the problem of assessing the reliability of complex engineering structures containing both random and convex aggregate variables. By integrating the ellipsoidal model with correlation and the interval model, the uncertainty region characterized by the ellipsoidal model with correlation is optimized with full consideration of the limited amount of engineering structure sample data, and the risk region represented by the reliability model is redefined, a new mixed reliability assessment criterion is established, and the minimum safe nonprobability reliability index of the structure is built. A key reference is offered by the safety limit diagram of constant reliability indexes set for the first time for the optimal design of engineering structure reliability. The proposed mixed reliability model is compared and analyzed with three classical models. The sensitivity of nonprobability reliability indexes, influenced by random variable parameters and correlation coefficients, is analyzed. This verification confirms that the new reliability model not only provides an accurate assessment of engineering structures' reliability but also lowers the computational demands of engineering design. In this paper, aero‐engine blades and wind turbine blades are taken as examples to expound the validity of the reliability model built using this method and its importance to the structural safety analysis of actual engineering.