Dynamic neural network method-based improved PSO and BR algorithms for transient probabilistic analysis of flexible mechanism

To improve the computing efficiency and precision of transient probabilistic analysis of flexible mechanism, dynamic neural network method (DNNM)-based improved particle swarm optimization (PSO)/Bayesian regularization (BR) (called as PSO/BR-DNNM) is proposed based on the developed DNNM with the integration of extremum response surface method (ERSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The mathematical model of DNNM is established based on ANN on the foundation of investigating ERSM. Aiming at the high nonlinearity and strong coupling characteristics of limit state function of flexible mechanism, accurate weights and thresholds of PSO/BR-DNNM function are discussed by searching initial weights and thresholds based on the improved PSO and training final weights and thresholds by the BR-based training performance function. The probabilistic analysis of two-link flexible robot manipulator (TFRM) was investigated with the proposed method. Reliability degree, distribution characteristics and major factors (section sizes of link-2) of TFRM are obtained, which provides a useful reference for a more effective TFRM design. Through the comparison of three methods (Monte Carlo method, DNNM, PSO/BR-DNNM), it is demonstrated that PSO/BR-DNNM reshapes the probability of flexible mechanism probabilistic analysis and improves the computing efficiency while keeping acceptable computational precision. Moreover, the proposed method offers a useful insight for reliability-based design optimization of flexible mechanism and thereby also enriches the theory and method of mechanical reliability design. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.