Fuzzy Finite Element Applications in the Waste Heat Boiler

A practical approach for analyzing the waste heat boiler with fuzzy parameters is developed. The methodology involves integrated finite element modeling and fuzzy analysis. The uncertainties in the material, loading and structural properties are represented using convex normal fuzzy sets. Vertex solution methodology that is based on α-cut representation is used for the fuzzy analysis. The values of the extreme responses at an α-level are obtained by applying the binary combinations of the fuzzy variables that result in extreme responses to the finite element model. The merit of the proposed methodology is computational efficiency without compromise on accuracy and this is demonstrated through the engineering problem.