Engineering Optimization, 5th Edition

17 Solution of Optimization Problems Using MATLAB

17.1 Introduction

The solution of most practical optimization problems requires the use of computers. Several commercial software systems are available to solve optimization problems that arise in different engineering areas. MATLAB is a popular software that is used for the solution of a variety of scientific and engineering problems.1 MATLAB has several toolboxes each developed for the solution of problems from a specific scientific area. The specific toolbox of interest for solving optimization and related problems is called the optimization toolbox. It contains a library of programs or m‐files, which can be used for the solution of minimization, equations, least squares curve fitting, and related problems. The basic information necessary for using the various programs can be found in the user's guide for the optimization toolbox [1]. The programs or m‐files, also called functions, available in the minimization section of the optimization toolbox are given in Table 17.1. The use of the programs listed in Table 17.1 is demonstrated in this chapter. Basically, the solution procedure involves three steps after formulating the optimization problem in the format required by the MATLAB program (or function) to be used. In most cases, this involves stating the objective function for minimization and the constraints in “≤” form with zero or constant value on the right hand side of the inequalities. After this, Step 1 involves ...