An Approach for Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is an optimization technique that allows complex designs to be improved by managing conflicting goals in such a fashion so as to improve the overall design. This thesis presents a nonhierarchic MDO formulation and gives a general explanation of how it is to be applied to various appropriate problems. In addition, this thesis evaluates the viability of this MDO technique by applying it to two distinct, multidisciplinary problems that have been used as examples in other literature. The first example problem is a combined aerodynamic/structural problem and the second example is an alkylation process problem. First, several criteria are defined to assess the feasibility of this MDO technique as applied to these two examples, including comparisons to alternative Single Disciplinary Optimization (SDO) methods. Next, the technique is applied to each problem using numerous FORTRAN programs to create and collect the required data for evaluation. Finally, conclusions are drawn based on the aforementioned data. In addition, recommendations are made as to further research possibilities and applications suggestions.