A novel method of Newton iteration-based interval analysis for multidisciplinary systems

A Newton iteration-based interval uncertainty analysis method (NI-IUAM) is proposed to analyze the propagating effect of interval uncertainty in multidisciplinary systems. NI-IUAM decomposes one multidisciplinary system into single disciplines and utilizes a Newton iteration equation to obtain the upper and lower bounds of coupled state variables at each iterative step. NI-IUAM only needs to determine the bounds of uncertain parameters and does not require specific distribution formats. In this way, NI-IUAM may greatly reduce the necessity for raw data. In addition, NI-IUAM can accelerate the convergence process as a result of the super-linear convergence of Newton iteration. The applicability of the proposed method is discussed, in particular that solutions obtained in each discipline must be compatible in multidisciplinary systems. The validity and efficiency of NI-IUAM is demonstrated by both numerical and engineering examples.