Fuzzy Arithmetical Assessment of Wave Propagation Models for Multi-Wire Cables

The influence of uncertainty on a crack detection algorithm based on the Hilbert transform for multi-wire cables was investigated in this project. Not only was vagueness in calculated group velocities considered, but also imprecision in the algorithm’s parameters as well as in the parameters of the underlying model. Precise transient simulation of wave propagation in multi-wire cables with common FE software results in tremendous computational costs. Therefore, a different strategy was pursued: only power flows due to propagating waves were considered. Since these models incorporate significant simplifications, a model assessment strategy through advanced fuzzy arithmetic was applied. Uncertainty in model parameters, especially due to simplification and idealization during the modeling process, was considered as epistemic uncertainty. The effects of uncertain model parameters represented as fuzzy numbers were investigated by simulations with the use of the Transformation Method. Different models were simulated and an inverse fuzzy arithmetical technique was used to identify parameter uncertainty based on experimentally derived data.