Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Supported by Knowledge Based Engineering

8Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Architectures

8.1 Introduction

In Chapter 2, we introduced the underlying fundamentals associated with applying multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) methodology in the solution of a modern design optimization problem. We established, in the previous chapters, a tool base for engineering optimization and now turn to providing a detailed explanation of MDO which represents the core topic of this book. The modern engineering design environment is, by nature, a multifaceted activity. MDO provides a methodology comprising a variety of methods, techniques, and tools that may be selectively assembled as applications demand to cope with this environment. Many possible assemblages (methods) have been proposed (Martins & Lambe, 2013; Sobieszczanski-Sobieski & Haftka, 1997) from which we have selected a representative sample for inclusion in this chapter. However, the subject of MDO is an active research area, and it is likely that new methods will emerge while research continues and experience accumulates.

The methods selected for our sample resulted from a development record which has been evolving over the course of the last five decades. It started with the seminal paper (Schmit, 1960) which demonstrated that formal optimization, in the nonlinear programming format, could be transposed from operations research to engineering design practice starting with the single discipline of structures (Schmit, 1981). The simplest way to generalize from ...