Differential evolution for multi-objective robust engineering design

Abstract

There have been various algorithms based on Differential Evolution (DE) that have been demonstrated to optimize various engineering problems. While there has been work on using variations of DE for solving multi-objective problems, there has not been much work on applying this methodology to tolerance design. The ability to handle tolerances is extremely important in robust design, where a product of process is to be optimized while minimizing its responses to uncontrollable manufacturing and/or operational variations. This paper will demonstrate how Multi-Objective Differential Evolution can be applied to the area of multiple objective tolerance design. The algorithm’s utility is highlighted with two canonical engineering design optimization problems.