Standard Practice for Testing and Use of a Random Number Generator in Lumber and Wood Products Simulation

Importancia y uso:

4.1 Computer simulation is known to be a very powerful analytical tool for both practitioners and researchers in the area of wood products and their applications in structural engineering. Complex structural systems can be analyzed by computer with the computer generating the system components, given the probability distribution of each component. Frequently the components are single boards for which a compatible set of strength and stiffness properties are needed. However, the entire structural simulation process is dependent upon the adequacy of the standard uniform number generator required to generate random observations from prescribed probability distribution functions.

4.2 The technological capabilities and wide availability of microcomputers has encouraged their increased use for simulation studies. Tests of random number generators in commonly available microcomputers have disclosed serious deficiencies (1).3 Adequacy may be a function of intended end-use. This practice is concerned with generation of sets of random numbers, as may be required for simulations of large populations of material properties for simulation of complex structures. For more demanding applications, the use of packaged and pretested random number generators is encouraged.

Subcomité:

D07.05

Referida por:

E3074_E3074M-24, D7199-20, E2271_E2271M-22

Volúmen:

04.10

Número ICS:

79.040 (Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber)