Tolerances and Robustness in Engineering Design Optimization

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a new strategy for incorporating tolerances as part of engineering design optimization. The tolerance problem is defined in a general way that allows for tolerances on all model variables and parameters and includes worst case and statistical analysis. Two methods are described for taking tolerances into account during optimization such that an optimal design will remain feasible despite fluctuations in variables or parameters. Methods are also presented for directly controlling transmitted variation, and a framework for optimal tolerance allocation is proposed.