  Complex engineering models are typically computationally demanding and
defined by a high-dimensional parameter space challenging the comprehensive
exploration of parameter effects and design optimization. To overcome this
curse of dimensionality and to minimize computational resource requirements,
this research demonstrates a user-friendly approach to formulating a
reduced-dimension surrogate model that represents a high-dimensional,
high-fidelity source model. This approach was developed specifically for a
non-expert using commercially available tools. In this approach, the complex
physical behavior of the high-fidelity source model is separated into
individual, interacting physical behaviors. A separate reduced-dimension
surrogate model is created for each behavior and then all are summed to
formulate the reduced-dimension surrogate model representing the source model.
In addition to a substantial reduction in computational resources and
comparable accuracy, this method also provides a characterization of each
individual behavior providing additional insight into the source model
behavior. The approach encompasses experimental testing, finite element
analysis, surrogate modeling, and sensitivity analysis and is demonstrated by
formulating a reduced-dimension surrogate model for the damage tolerance of an
aluminum plate reinforced with a co-cured bonded E-glass/epoxy composite
laminate under four-point bending.
