What does a number mean: a summary of uncertainty quantification methods in engineering by Dr. Matt Bonney, May. 20, 2025

What does a number mean: a summary of uncertainty quantification methods in engineering

Dr. Matt Bonney

Swansea University, Wales, UK

May 20, 2025

Abstract:

When engineers communicate, despite any language barriers, there is always numbers. These numbers allow us to quantify designs, costs, and ideas. However, the use of numbers can be very tricky due to the natural order. When a number is presented, there is always a necessary context to that number. This context can include aspects of metadata, such as units, locations, etc. or quantifiable context, such as non-real components, stochastic distribution, or tolerance. This holistic context is highly important for decision making and risk management. To better understand this context, this talk presents a summary of various techniques/approaches for uncertainty quantification and the understanding of numbers in the engineering context.

Biography:

Dr. Matt Bonney is a lecturer (assistant professor equivalent) in Space Engineering at Swansea University in Wales, UK. His speciality lies in the holistic modelling and understanding of complex engineering systems. This has led to his research in Uncertainty Quantification, Digital Twins, Multiphysics modelling, and joint mechanics. This includes the development of fundamental mathematics called Hyper-Dual Numbers and development of Human-Computer interfaces with DTOP-Cristallo. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Professor Dan Kammer and was a participating member to the predecessor of the NOMAD and TRC research camps.