Numerical solution of fuzzy linear equations in engineering analysis

A computational methodology is presented for the solution of simultaneous linear equations that arise in the analysis of engineering systems involving fuzzy input parameters. In addition to a discussion on the existence of solution to the problem, the numerical solution to the fuzzy linear systems is defined and formalized. The framework of the proposed methodology consists of three major aspects involving (1) computerized selection of fuzziness, (2) implementation of fuzzy operations and (3) development and execution of a search-based algorithm. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the computational aspects of the proposed methodology. The present results are compared with those given by the combinatorial approach. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.