• International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.14-24
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• 2011

In this paper, design optimization for mixed-flow pump impellers and diffusers has been studied using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and DOE (design of experiments). We also discussed how to improve the performance of the mixed-flow pump by designing the impeller and diffuser. Geometric design variables were defined by the vane plane development, which indicates the blade-angle distributions and length of the impeller and diffusers. The vane plane development was controlled using the blade-angle in a fixed meridional shape. First, the design optimization of the defined impeller geometric variables was achieved, and then the flow characteristics were analyzed in the point of incidence angle at the diffuser leading edge for the optimized impeller. Next, design optimizations of the defined diffuser shape variables were performed. The importance of the geometric design variables was analyzed using $2^k$ factorial designs, and the design optimization of the geometric variables was determined using the response surface method (RSM). The objective functions were defined as the total head and the total efficiency at the design flow rate. Based on the comparison of CFD results between the optimized pump and base design models, the reason for the performance improvement was discussed.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.23-37
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• 2000

Usability is one of the most important factors that affect customers' decision to purchase a product. Several studies have been conducted to model the relationship between the product design variables and the product usability. Since there could be hundreds of design variables to be considered in the model, a variable screening method is required. Traditional variable screening methods are based on expert opinions (Expert screening) in most Kansei engineering studies. Suggested in this study are statistical methods for screening important design variables by using the principal component regression(PCR), cluster analysis, and partial least squares(PLS) method. Product variables with high effect (PCR screening and PLS screening) or representative variables (Cluster screening) can be used to model the usability. Proposed variable screening methods are used to model the usability for 36 audio/visual products. The three analysis methods (PCR, Cluster, and PLS) show better model performance than the Expert screening in terms of $R^2$, the number of variables in the model, and PRESS. It is expected that these methods can be used for screening the product design variables efficiently.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1995.04a
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• pp.195-202
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• 1995

In this study, the optimization program is developed to provide preliminary designs of steel-box girder bridges with minimum cost. The advantages of steel-box girder deck, when comparing with other girder types, are higher torsional rigidity and better resistance against corrosion. To achieve more rational design, systematic design procedure is required, by which the design constraints on steel-box girder are satisfied and the design variables with minimum cost are obtained. In the Proposed optmum design Process, the design variables are forced to be selected from the available discrete value set. The efficiency of the developed program has been verified by companing with previous designed sections and the resulting optimum cost with discrete variables has been compared with those of continuous variables.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.359-372
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• 1995

This study presents an efficient method for optimum design of plate and shell structures, when the design variables are continuous or discrete. Both sizing and shape design variables are considered. First the structural responses such as element forces are approximated in terms of some intermediate variables. By substituting these approximate relations into the original design problem, an explicit nonlinear approximate design task with high quality approximation is achieved. This problem with continuous variables, can be solved by means of numerical optimization techniques very efficiently, the results of which are then used for discrete variable optimization. Now, the approximate problem is converted into a sequence of second level approximation problems of separable form and each of which is solved by a dual strategy with discrete design variables. The approach is efficient in terms of the number of required structural analyses, as well as the overall computational cost of optimization. Examples are offered and compared with other methods to demonstrate the features of the proposed method.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.148-157
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• 2012

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) problem is usually formulated as an optimization problem to minimize an objective function subjected to probabilistic constraint functions which may include deterministic design variables as well as random variables. The challenging task is that, because the probability models of the random variables are often assumed based on limited data, there exists a possibility of selecting inappropriate distribution models and/or model parameters for the random variables, which can often lead to disastrous consequences. In order to select the most appropriate distribution model from the limited observation data as well as model parameters, this study takes into account a set of possible candidate models for the random variables. The suitability of each model is then investigated by employing performance and risk functions. In this regard, this study enables structural design optimization and fitness assessment of the distribution models of the random variables at the same time. As the first paper of a two-part series, this paper describes a new design method considering probability model uncertainties. The robust performance of the proposed method is presented in Part 2. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, an example of ten-bar truss structure is considered. The numerical results show that the proposed method can provide the optimal design variables while guaranteeing the most desirable distribution models for the random variables even in case the limited data are only available.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.1248-1253
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• 2003

Sensitivity information has been used for linearization of nonlinear functions in optimization. Basically, sensitivity is a derivative of a function with respect to a design variable. Design sensitivity is repeatedly calculated in optimization. Since sensitivity calculation is extremely expensive, there are studies to directly use the sensitivity in the design process. When a small design change is required, an engineer makes design changes by considering the sensitivity information. Generally, the current process is performed one-by-one for design variables. Methods to exploit the sensitivity information are developed. When a designer wants to change multiple variables with some relationship, the directional derivative can be utilized. In this case, the first derivative can be calculated. Only small design changes can be made from the first derivatives. Orthogonal arrays can be used for moderate changes of multiple variables. Analysis of Variance is carried out to find out the regional influence of variables. A flow is developed for efficient use of the methods. The sensitivity information is calculated by finite difference method. Various examples are solved to evaluate the proposed algorithm.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 1989

In the design of reinforced concrete framed structures, which consist of various design variables, the objective and the constraint functions are formulated in complicated forms. Usually iterative methods have been used to optimize the design variables. In this paper, multilevel formulation is adopted, and design variables are selected in reduced numbers at each level, to reduce the iterative cycle and to accelerate the convergence rate. At level 1, elastic analysis is performed to get the upper and lower bounds of the redistributed design moments due to inelastic behavior of the frame. Then the design moments are taken as design variables and optimized at level 2, and the sizing variables are optimized at level 3. The optimization of redistributed moments is performed using the design sensitivity obtained at the level 2, and force approximation technique is used to reflect the variation of design variables in the lower level to the upper level. The design variables are selected in reduced numbers at each level, and the optimization formulation is simplified effectively. A cost function is taken as the objective function, and the constraints of the stress of the structures are derived from BSI CP 110 following limit state theory. Numerical examples are included to prove the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.06c
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• pp.380-385
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• 2001

The paper presents a new multidisciplinary design optimization architecture using optimal sensitivity and coordination of interdisciplinary design variables. Original design problem is decomposed into a number of sub-problems that represent individual engineering analysis. The coupled effects between sub-problems are computed by interdisciplinary design variables. System level coordination is determined by optimal parameter sensitivity calculated by finite difference method. The proposed. MDO strategy is applied to a simplified model of rotorcraft blade design associated with structures and aerodynamic disciplines.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference
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• 2000.06a
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• pp.894-899
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• 2000

Optimization of 26 design variables selected from suspension characteristics for Korean High Speed Train (KHST) is performed according to the minimization of 58 responses which represent running safety and ride comfort for KHST and analyzed by using the each response surface model from stochastic design experiments. Sensitivity of design variables is also analyzed through the response surface model which ineffective design prameters to the performance index are screened by using stepwise regression method. The response surface models are used for optimizing design variables through simplex algorism. Values of performance index simulated by optimized design parameters are totally lower than those by initial design parameters. It shows that this method is effective for optimizing multi-design variables to multi-object function.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.15 no.3 s.56
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• pp.173-183
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• 2006

Design is inseparably related to aesthetics. In spite of that, it is difficult to explain the precise aesthetic variables that affect the aesthetic value of space or environment. Therefore, this study intended to find the relationships between aesthetic variables by perceptual and affective judgement for space design with focus on complexity and preference variables. The research found low level of 'arousing' as well as high levels of affective dimension variables 'pleasant' and 'relaxing' evoked high preference. High preference also appeared in space design cases with high unity, order, and clarity with low contrast and complexity, which are variables of perceptual dimension. Complexity, one variables of preference by Kaplan, is in an inverse proportion to space preference. Thus, space design with high complexity has high level of 'exciting' and 'arousing' affective responses and relatively low level of 'relaxing' response. Additionally, it was confirmed that the most importantly influential factor on complexity was diverse components rather than visual richness and ornamentation.