Sample size & Statistical power

[#1]

Hi,

I have done a finite element model validation study by comparing the a certain quantity of interest to experimental data. I have conducted this study for 18 different samples in order to evaluate the mean prediction error of the model. The real & simulated samples are dependent.

I want to assess if 18 was a statistically significant number of samples.

How can i calculate the power?

Thanks for your help

[#2]

First, welcome to the community.  I'm not going to be of much help as I can't answer your question.  There is some missing information:

1. What do you mean by statistically significant?

2. You sampled 18 out of how many?

3. How were the samples acquired (randomly, systematically, et. al.)

4. What do you want to do with your model?  Predict future results? Explain variation present in the samples?

5. Is the process stable?

6. What alpha and beta risks are you willing to have?

7. Was your experiment replicated?  If so over what inference?  Is that inference representative of future conditions?

8. Do you know your measurement system error?

Statistical significance is a conditional statement.