Method of isolating sources of variance in parametric data

A computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying instructions for a computer that when executed by the computer implement a method for isolating sources of variance in parametric data, the method comprising steps of:

• receiving a data set of measurements for a plurality of physical parameters;
• cleaning the data set to remove measurements that may introduce error;
• generating a principal component analysis basis from the cleaned data set;
• estimating an independent component analysis model from the principal component analysis basis;
• calculating percentages of variance for the plurality of parameters explained by each component in the estimated independent component analysis model;
• removing a component from the principal component analysis basis when the calculated percentages of variance indicate that the component is a minor component;
• and
• generating as output the estimated independent component analysis model excluding the minor component;
• and
• identifying a physical mechanism corresponding to significant components of the estimated independent component analysis model.