In robust design, it is important not only to achieve robust design objectives but also to maintain the robustness of design feasibility under the effect of variations (or uncertainties). However, the evaluation of feasibility robustness is often a computationally intensive process. Simplified approaches in existing robust design applications may lead to either over-conservative or infeasible design solutions. In this paper, several feasibility-modeling techniques for robust optimization are examined. These methods are classified into two categories: methods that require probability and statistical analyses and methods that do not. Using illustrative examples, the effectiveness of each method is compared in terms of its efficiency and accuracy. Constructive recommendations are made to employ different techniques under different circumstances. Under the framework of probabilistic optimization, we propose to use a most probable point (MPP) based importance sampling method, a method rooted in the field of reliability analysis, for evaluating the feasibility robustness. The advantages of this approach are discussed. Though our discussions are centered on robust design, the principles presented are also applicable for general probabilistic optimization problems. The practical significance of this work also lies in the development of efficient feasibility evaluation methods that can support quality engineering practice, such as the Six Sigma approach that is being widely used in American industry. [S1050-0472(00)00904-1]
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December 2000
Technical Papers
Towards a Better Understanding of Modeling Feasibility Robustness in Engineering Design
Xiaoping Du, Research Associate,
Xiaoping Du, Research Associate
Integrated Design Automation Laboratory (IDAL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607-7022
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Wei Chen, Assistant Professor
Wei Chen, Assistant Professor
Integrated Design Automation Laboratory (IDAL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607-7022
Search for other works by this author on:
Xiaoping Du, Research Associate
Integrated Design Automation Laboratory (IDAL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607-7022
Wei Chen, Assistant Professor
Integrated Design Automation Laboratory (IDAL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607-7022
Contributed by the Design Theory and Methodology Committee for publication in the Journal of Mechanical Design. Manuscript received June 1999. Associate Technical Editor: J. Cagan.
J. Mech. Des. Dec 2000, 122(4): 385-394 (10 pages)
Published Online: June 1, 1999
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Received:
June 1, 1999
Citation
Du, X., and Chen, W. (June 1, 1999). "Towards a Better Understanding of Modeling Feasibility Robustness in Engineering Design ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. December 2000; 122(4): 385–394. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1290247
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