Fuzzy Sets and Systems
Volume 52, Number 1 (Nov. 1992), Pages 1-20.
Abstract
Uncertainty in engineering analysis usually pertains to {\em stochastic}
uncertainty, i.e.,
variance in product or process parameters characterized
by probability (uncertainty in truth). Methods for
calculating under stochastic uncertainty are well
documented.
It has been proposed by the authors
that other forms of uncertainty exist in engineering design.
Imprecision, or the concept of uncertainty in choice,
is one such form. This paper considers real-time techniques for calculating
with imprecise parameters. These techniques utilize interval
mathematics and the notion of $\alpha$-cuts from the
fuzzy calculus. The extremes or anomalies of the techniques
are also investigated, particularly the evaluation of singular or multi-valued
functions. It will be shown that realistic engineering functions
can be used in imprecision calculations, with reasonable computational
performance.