Concept Selection Using s-Pareto Frontiers

• Published in: AIAA journal 2003-06, Vol.41 (6), p.1190-1198
• Main Authors: Mattson, Christopher A, Messac, Achille
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aircraft; Applied sciences; Design engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Pareto optimum
• ISSN: 0001-1452; 1533-385X
• DOI: 10.2514/2.2063

We introduce the notion of s-Pareto optimality and show how it can be used to improve concept selection in engineering design. Specific design alternatives are classified as s-Pareto optimal when there are no other alternatives from the same or any other general design concept that exhibit improvement in all design objectives. Further, we say that the set of s-Pareto design alternatives comprises the s-Pareto frontier. Under the proposed approach the s-Pareto frontier plays a paramount role in the concept selection process, as it is used to define and classify concept dominance. The s-Pareto frontier-based concept selection method can be characterized as one that capitalizes on the benefits of computational optimization during the conceptual phase of design, before a general design concept has been chosen. An introduction to s-Pareto optimality and a method for generating s-Pareto frontiers are developed. An approach for using s-Pareto frontiers to perform concept selection is also presented. The methods proposed can effectively aid in the elimination of dominated design concepts, keep competitive concepts, and ultimately choose a specific design alternative from the selected design concept. A truss design problem is used to illustrate the usefulness of the method.