Measurement uncertainty estimation using statistical methods

• Describe the relevance of uncertainty in measurement
• Recognise the main factors affecting the uncertainty of a measurement
• Describe the international approach to expressing the uncertainty of measurement
• Apply the uncertainty evaluation technique proposed by GUM
• Analyse the uncertainty budget connected with a measurement procedure
• Produce an uncertainty budget for a given engineering application
• Manage the problems connected with mechanical design in statistical way
• Manage the problems connected with production engineering in statistical way

1 Basic concepts
Introduction. Why it is necessary to evaluate uncertainty: requirements of Quality
Standards and transfer of measurement information
1.1 Measurement uncertainty
Typical contributes to measurement uncertainty: random and systematic effects and
measurement accidents (outliers)
1.2 Metrological characteristics
Relationship between uncertainty contributes and instrument characteristics (bias,
repeatability, resolution) and measurement complex (reproducibility, considering
instrument, operator, ambient conditions and measurand).
2 Stages of uncertainty evaluation
Theoretical basis: theorem of the central limit
2.1 Modelling the process
Use of theoretical or empirical models to identify the measurement procedure: correlation
uncertainty (ISO GPS Standards)
2.2 Evaluation of uncertainty
Type A and Type B uncertainty contributes (ISO GUM)
2.3 Determining expanded uncertainty
Uncertainty propagation and relevant degrees of freedom
2.4 Critical points
Independent variables correlation, non linearity, asymmetry of probability distributions
3 Uncertainty table
Practical method for evaluating uncertainty
4 Typical examples
Applications to case studies on measurement, mechanical design and production process
planning

Basic knowledge about statistics

Lectures by visiting lecturers and personal study case

The PhD course is based on very short presentations by the teacher and ample discussions
with students that beforehand have read relevant papers. The course couples lectures and
activities on measurement uncertainty evaluation with practical cases. Students are
invited to present simple case studies involving their activity with measurement,
mechanical design and production engineering for a discussion and further analysis using
the methods described in the course.

Minimum: 8, Maximum: 24.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.