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Constraint-based modelling and optimization to support the design of complex multi-domain engineering problems

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Abstract

We present a constraint-based methodology which is successfully applied to a variety of engineering problems from a wide range of disciplines. Initially conceived from investigations of the engineering design process, the methodology has helped design engineers to identify and understand the initial limitations placed upon a system. Written as a set of algebraic expressions, the design objectives and design constraints can be formulated and minima found using numerical optimization techniques. These solutions provide initial configurations for the system, corresponding to how “true” all of the constraints are. A bespoke constraint-based modelling environment has been created which embodies the methodology. This is able to resolve large systems, comprising over 100 degrees-of-freedom, using an assortment of optimization routines—direct, gradient and evolutionary algorithms. These algorithms are appropriate for a number of problem types and their inclusion increase the scope of applicability of the methodology which is demonstrated using case studies from a number of engineering domains. Machines and mechanisms; human modelling; force and flow; structural geology and discrete disassembly processes are all studied using constraint-based formulations. The contribution of the paper lies in thus proving that complex (heterogeneous) systems-of-systems can be solved if the connectivity between the systems is expressed using constraint-rules.

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Notes

  1. Full details can be found in two papers by Edmunds et al. [11, 12].

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. David Branson and Dr. Baljinder Singh from the University of Bath and Dr. Kazuhiro Izui from Kyoto University for their contributions to this paper. Dr. Branson and Dr. Izui for their insight and discussions on the topics of fluid power systems and disassembly processes respectively, and Dr. Singh for his invaluable input to the human modelling section of this paper; in particular the figures contained therein. The work reported in this paper has been undertaken as part of the EPSRC Innovative Design and Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Bath (grant reference GR/R67507/0) and the authors gratefully acknowledge this support and express their thanks for the advice and support of all concerned.

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Edmunds, R., Feldman, J.A., Hicks, B.J. et al. Constraint-based modelling and optimization to support the design of complex multi-domain engineering problems. Engineering with Computers 27, 319–336 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00366-010-0201-y

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