Publications

Abstract not provided.

This paper presents the conceptual framework that is being used to define quantification of margins and uncertainties (QMU) for application in the nuclear weapons (NW) work conducted at Sandia National Laboratories. The conceptual framework addresses the margins and uncertainties throughout the NW life cycle and includes the definition of terms related to QMU and to figures of merit. Potential applications of QMU consist of analyses based on physical data and on modeling and simulation. Appendix A provides general guidelines for addressing cases in which significant and relevant physical data are available for QMU analysis. Appendix B gives the specific guidance that was used to conduct QMU analyses in cycle 12 of the annual assessment process. Appendix C offers general guidelines for addressing cases in which appropriate models are available for use in QMU analysis. Appendix D contains an example that highlights the consequences of different treatments of uncertainty in model-based QMU analyses.

Abstract not provided.

Experienced experimentalists have gone through the process of attempting to identify a final set of modal parameters from several different sets of extracted parameters. Usually, this is done by visually examining the mode shapes. With the advent of automated modal parameter extraction algorithms such as SMAC (Synthesize Modes and Correlate), very accurate extractions can be made to high frequencies. However, this process may generate several hundred modes that then must be consolidated into a final set of modal information. This as motivated the authors to generate a set of tools to speed the process of consolidating modal parameters by mathematical (instead of visual) means. These tools help quickly identify the best modal parameter extraction associated with several extractions of the same mode. The tools also indicate how many different modes have been extracted in a nominal frequency range and from which references. The mathematics are presented to achieve the best modal extraction of multiple modes at the same nominal frequency. Improvements in the SMAC graphical user interface and database are discussed that speed and improve the entire extraction process.