Probability, Statistics, and Reliability for Engineers and Scientists

by Bilal M. Ayyub, Richard H. McCuen

Overview

In a technological society, virtually every engineer and scientist needs to be able to collect, analyze, interpret, and properly use vast arrays of data. This means acquiring a solid foundation in the methods of data analysis and synthesis. Understanding the theoretical aspects is important, but learning to properly apply the theory to real-world problems is essential.

Probability, Statistics, and Reliability for Engineers and Scientists, Third Edition introduces the fundamentals of probability, statistics, reliability, and risk methods to engineers and scientists for the purposes of data and uncertainty analysis and modeling in support of decision making.

The third edition of this bestselling text presents probability, statistics, reliability, and risk methods with an ideal balance of theory and applications. Clearly written and firmly focused on the practical use of these methods, it places increased emphasis on simulation, particularly as a modeling tool, applying it progressively with projects that continue in each chapter. This provides a measure of continuity and shows the broad use of simulation as a computational tool to inform decision making processes. This edition also features expanded discussions of the analysis of variance, including single- and two-factor analyses, and a thorough treatment of Monte Carlo simulation. The authors not only clearly establish the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages of each method, but also show that data analysis is a continuum rather than the isolated application of different methods.

Like its predecessors, this book continues to serve its purpose well as both a textbook and a reference. Ultimately, readers will find the content of great value in problem solving and decision making, particularly in practical applications.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781439809518
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/26/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	664
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Bilal M. Ayyub is a professor of civil and environmental engineering and the director of the Center for Technology and Systems Management in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, where he has been since 1983. He is a leading authority in risk analysis, uncertainty modeling, decision analysis, and systems engineering. Dr. Ayyub earned degrees from Kuwait University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a fellow of the ASCE, the ASME, and the SNAME, and a senior member of the IEEE. Dr. Ayyub has served on many national committees and investigation boards and completed numerous research and development projects for governmental and private entities, including the National Science Foundation; the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Navy, and Department of Homeland Security; and insurance and engineering firms. He has received multiple ASNE Jimmie Hamilton Awards for best papers in the Naval Engineers Journal, the ASCE Outstanding Research-Oriented Paper in the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, the ASCE Edmund Friedman Award, the ASCE Walter Huber Research Prize, the K.S. Fu Award of NAFIPS, and the Department of the Army Public Service Award. Dr. Ayyub is the author/co-author of more than 550 publications in journals, conference proceedings, and reports, as well as 20 books, including Uncertainty Modeling and Analysis for Engineers and Scientists; Risk Analysis in Engineering and Economics; Elicitation of Expert Opinions for Uncertainty and Risks; Probability, Statistics and Reliability for Engineers and Scientists, Second Edition; and Numerical Methods for Engineers.

Richard H. McCuen is the Ben Dyer Professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Maryland. Dr. McCuen earned degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. His primary research interests are statistical hydrology and stormwater management. He has received the Icko Iben Award from the American Water Resource Association and was co-recipient of the Outstanding Research Award from the ASCE Water Resources, Planning and Management Division. He is the author/co-author of over 250 professional papers and 21 books, including Fundamentals of Civil Engineering: An Introduction to the ASCE Body of Knowledge; Modeling Hydrologic Change; Hydrologic Analysis and Design, Third Edition; The Elements of Academic Research; Estimating Debris Volumes for Flood Control; and Dynamic Communication for Engineers.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Data Description and Treatment. Fundamentals of Probability. Probability Distributions for Discrete Random Variables. Probability Distributions for Continuous Random Variables. Multiple Random Variables. Simulation. Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis. Hypothesis Testing. Analysis of Variance. Confidence Intervals and Sample Size Determination. Regression Analysis. Multiple and Nonlinear Regression Analysis. Reliability Analysis of Components. Reliability and Risk Analysis of Systems. Bayesian Methods. Appendices. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Focused on practical aspects, this text introduces probability, statistics, reliability, and risk methods with a balance of theory and applications. Emphasis is placed on simulation, particularly as a modeling tool, applying it to ongoing project examples. This second edition features expanded discussions of the analysis of variance including single- and two-factor analyses and detailed treatment of Monte Carlo simulation. The limitations and advantages of each method are outlined, presenting data analysis as a continuum rather than the isolated application of different methods. Ayyub and McCuen are professors of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Maryland-College Park. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)