Random Number Generator

Here is a C++ program which generates random numbers for a user-selected distribution. monte_carlo_random.cpp monte_carlo_random.exe The distribution options are: 1. Uniform 2. Normal 3. Rayleigh 4. Weibull 5. Gumbel 6. Binomial The random numbers can then be used in a Monte Carlo analysis. * *… Read more

Missionary Preparation Talk

Last Sunday I gave a talk in my church at the request of my bishop. The assigned topic was “The Five Elements of Missionary Preparation,” presumably for the benefit of young men and women. I have been concerned, however, that many of our young people… Read more

Fatigue Exponent Q & A

  Question: What is meant exactly by “fatigue exponent”. I generally input a value between 3 (for notched parts) and 6 (for (unnotched ones). Is it right?…I’ve found confusing and contrasting definitions about b and m exponent (among MIL-STD-810 G and various other documents) Answer:… Read more

Shock & Vibration Training, Complimentary

One of my responsibilities to NASA is to provide training sessions and materials as an outreach to the engineering community. Occasionally, I provide onsite training, but these classes are becoming increasingly difficult to organize for a variety of reasons. As an alternative, I am considering… Read more

Dirlik Rainflow Counting Method from Response PSD

A number of methods have been derived for performing rainflow cycle counting for a response PSD. Note that they tend to be conservative. The Dirlik method is an example of a semi-empirical method for cycle identification. A Matlab script for performing this method is given… Read more