Probabilistic Optimal Design Using Successive Surrogate Probability Density Functions

Abstract

Probabilistic optimization using the moment matching method and the simulation optimization method are discussed and compared to conventional deterministic optimization. A new approach based on successively approximating probability density functions, using recursive quadratic programming for the optimization process, is described. This approach incorporates the speed and robustness of analytical probability density functions and improves accuracy by considering simulation results. Theoretical considerations and an example problem illustrate the features of the approach. The paper closes with a discussion of an objective function formulation which includes the expected cost of design constraint failure.