RF-DYNA — Software for optimized random finite element simulation using LS-DYNA.

• Software for random finite element simulation in LS-DYNA is presented. • Random field discretization is optimized through interpolation and clustering. • No changes to LS-DYNA finite element solver are required. • Existing LS-DYNA material models are integrated into the software. • Mathematical operations can be performed to manipulate random material properties. This paper presents a user-friendly software to assign spatially distributed material properties to nonlinear finite element models in LS-DYNA using discretized three dimensional random fields and random variables. The purpose of the software is to enable probabilistic analysis frameworks that incorporate results from LS-DYNA simulations with random material properties. The software leverages the existing well-established deterministic formulation of LS-DYNA by utilizing inbuilt material constitutive laws. K -nearest neighbors spatial interpolation and k -means clustering are implemented to streamline the generation and assignment of random fields to parts in LS-DYNA models. The functionality of the software is demonstrated through real-life safety assessments of two marine structural elements composed of steel-reinforced concrete. Analysis results demonstrated the robustness and efficiency of the software where it can be successfully integrated into analysis frameworks to evaluate the safety of structural members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]