Evolutionary system design using a generalized component–resource model. Issue 12 (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marcus, Matthew L.; Sedwick, Raymond J.
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 53:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 2164
• Page End: 2179
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Evolutionary optimization -- component selection -- complex systems -- complex optimization -- genetic algorithm; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2020.1849173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents a method for multiobjective optimization of a complex system, modelling it as a collection of components and resource flows between them. Constraints can be imposed on a component basis or system-wide, based on the resource flows. Optimization is performed by a genetic algorithm utilizing a variable-length genome. This specialized genome enables a more open-ended design capability than previous similar frameworks. Systems are evaluated through a user-defined simulation, and results can be presented in any trade space of interest based on the performance in the simulation. The framework is then applied to the design of a table as a simple proof of concept. In this problem, the framework was found to identify a design within 4% of the theoretical optimum 80% of the time, and within 8% of the theoretical optimum the remaining 20% of the time.