Relative Entropy Computations for Nonlinear Deformations of the Porous Steel Structures

In this paper, we investigate the application of the relative entropy framework for safety assessments of steel elements with structural defects at the micro- and macro-scales. Mathematical theories developed by Bhattacharyya and by Kullback and Leibler (K-L) have been used for this purpose. This approach uses both expectations and variations, similar to the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM), but is extended to include 3rd- and 4th-order central probabilistic moments. It is necessary to use a hybrid computational technique that combines the Finite Element Method (FEM) software ABAQUS CAE 2017 with the implemented Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) damage model and the computer algebra system MAPLE. The iterative generalized stochastic perturbation technique has been used to determine the probabilistic moments of structural response, to utilize the Weighted Least Squares Method to approximate the structural response function, and to determine uncertainty in the stress, strain, and displacement state functions. This approach is based on relative entropy because of its universality. There is no need to assume a type of distribution of the state functions, in contrast to FORM, where a Gaussian distribution is required. This paper verifies whether relative entropy can serve as an alternative to FORM for determining reliability. The yield surface of the porous material with a random values of the void volume fraction f are also presented.