Principles of Optimal Design

Optimization is a standard concept in engineering design, and in other disciplines which use mathematical decision-making methods. This textbook presents the key concepts and algorithms available for solving design optimization problems. Featuring simple examples, it is intended for fourth- or fifth-year students and professional engineers.

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Design optimization is a standard concept in engineering design, and in other disciplines which utilize mathematical decision-making methods. This textbook focuses on the close relationship between a design problem's mathematical model and the solution-driven methods which optimize it. Along with extensive material on modeling problems, this book also features useful techniques for checking whether a model is suitable for computational treatment. Throughout, key concepts are discussed in the context of why and when a particular algorithm may be successful, and a large number of examples demonstrate the theory or method right after it is presented. This book also contains step-by-step instructions for executing a design optimization project - from building the problem statement to interpreting the computer results. All chapters contain exercises from which instructors can easily build quizzes, and a chapter on 'principles and practice' offers the reader tips and guidance based on the authors' vast research and instruction experience.