What is engineering design optimization used for?

[Hisham Maalik]

Using this approach to solve for the dimensions of a machine's design concept is about the only use I can think of and even then it seems to not be used widely by engineers at all. What other purposes is Engineering Design Optimization used for?

 

[driftLimiter]

Optimization is a widespread field. Generally speaking, the art of design is tied with optimization. We live in a world of finite resources and time, so we should strive to achieve materially optimum designs. We could optimize the performance of a design. Optimize the function of a machine, the output rate, the power consumption. So many things that engineers do involve optimization!

 

[Gr8blu]

Hisham: In the larger picture, engineering design is all about optimization. Optimization can include any - or all - of the following items: 1) output performance against known criteria, 2) material and/or labor costs, 3) manufacturability (to keep those costs low), 4) against a known (or perceived) space constraint, 5) adherence to regulatory constraints, 6) against known (or perceived) thermal constraints, 7) against known (or perceived) "other" environmental constraints such as corrosion or excess moisture, and 8) against known (or perceived) mass constraints. Note that this list is not exhaustive - it merely points out that there are several factors which can impact a design choice.

Converting energy to motion for more than half a century

 

[Max_GT]

There are many other potential applications for engineering design optimization (EDO). For example, EDO could be used to optimize the layout of a warehouse or factory floor in order to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time. It could also be used to design the most efficient shipping route for a fleet of vehicles. Additionally, EDO could be employed in the design of consumer products ranging from phones to furniture. In each of these cases, the goal would be to find the optimal solution that meets the given constraints and objectives. As computer modeling and simulation techniques continue to improve, it is likely that EDO will play an increasingly important role in a wide variety of industries.