Current approaches to calculating failure probability in complex engineering structures can be inefficient and result in inconsistency, but a Wayne State University researcher is working to change that. Christopher Eamon, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, recently received a three-year, $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an accurate and efficient method for calculating failure probability (reliability analysis) for computationally and probabilistically complex structural engineering problems, with the goal of achieving greater levels of consistency within a structure. He believes his work will advance structural safety analysis for a variety of complex, high-fidelity problems such as crash, impact and blast analysis; metal forming; and complex structural system evaluation in various engineering disciplines.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/11/wayne-state-prof-aims-to-improve-engineering-failure-prediction/
http://www.dailytech.com/Detroit+Researcher+Receives+250000+NSF+Grant+for+New+Structural+Failure+Method/article23748.htm