Global optimization using accurate approximations in design synthesis
Abdon E. Sepulveda, Harold Thomas · 37th Structure, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference · 1996
The design variable space of a design synthesis problem may contain multiple local optima. In the approximation concepts approach to design synthesis, the design objective and constraint functions are approximated in order to reduce the overall cost. If the approximations accurately capture the actural behavior of the objective function and constraints, then the approximate design variable space may also contain local optima. In this work, a multistart optimization algorithm is used to search for the global optimum of the actual design using just a few design cycles. Example problems are presented to illustrate the methodology set forth.