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Title: Economic analysis of model validation for a challenge problem

Journal Article · · Journal of Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4032370· OSTI ID:1239147
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. Thomas Paez Consulting, Sedona, AZ (United States)
  3. Timothy Hasselman Consulting, Palos Verdes Estates, CA (United States)

It is now commonplace for engineers to build mathematical models of the systems they are designing, building, or testing. And, it is nearly universally accepted that phenomenological models of physical systems must be validated prior to use for prediction in consequential scenarios. Yet, there are certain situations in which testing only or no testing and no modeling may be economically viable alternatives to modeling and its associated testing. This paper develops an economic framework within which benefit–cost can be evaluated for modeling and model validation relative to other options. The development is presented in terms of a challenge problem. As a result, we provide a numerical example that quantifies when modeling, calibration, and validation yield higher benefit–cost than a testing only or no modeling and no testing option.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1239147
Report Number(s):
SAND-2015-10560J; 614984
Journal Information:
Journal of Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification, Vol. 1, Issue 1; ISSN 2377-2158
Publisher:
ASMECopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English