What exactly is a sensitivity analysis?
Hi again – These forums are of great help. Thanks to everyone. I have noticed in many thread replies, particularly those from Glenn Horrocks, that a “sensitivity analysis” is a good way to ensure the accuracy of the mesh, timesteps, and various other parameters. I have read all of the Help file topics regarding sensitivity analyses. Although it is mentioned often with regards to finding good values for various parameters, I cannot seem to find a detailed explanation of what a sensitivity analysis is or how it is done. Additionally to the Help file, I have searched these forums and other online resources extensively to find good examples of sensitivity analyses/checks. I have determined that a sensitivity analysis involves the following (this is the extent of my knowledge): • A sensitivity analysis helps determine • the mesh size (e.g. how large the boundary layers are) • the timestep size (although adaptive timestepping can also work) • convergence criteria • other calculated variables
