A set strategy approach for multidisciplinary robust design optimization under interval uncertainty

Abstract

Uncertainties widely exist in complex engineering systems. Robust design is one of the most used method for designing under uncertainty and has been gaining more attention. For the wide range of uncertainties, this article proposes a multidisciplinary robust design optimization method based on the set strategy. In this method, a robust design model that utilizes the maximum variation analysis is developed for uncertainty analysis. Then, a set strategy–based approach is employed to build a system optimization model, which is used to coordinate the coupling variables between full autonomy subsystems and obtains a new design space. Finally, the system robust optimal solution and the optimal robust design space are obtained through the sequential optimization, which provide a direction for the subsequent analysis. Two mathematics examples and the speed reducer design problem are taken to verify the validity and accuracy of the proposed method. A practical engineering problem, namely, air cooling battery thermal management system design problem, is successfully solved by the proposed method.