Construction of response surfaces for design optimization applications

Abstract

Using response surface approximations in design optimization provides the designer with an overall view of the response. Response surface approximations also reduce the numerical noise inherent in many numerical models and simplify the process of integrating several design codes, as is typically required in the multidisciplanary optimization process. The present paper discusses procedures for constructing accurate response surface approximations to be used in design optimization, by tailoring the response surface to the specific design problem. A homogeneous, isotropic plate with a change in thickness is the design problem considered in the present and response surface approximations are constructed for the stress concentration factor at the thickness discontinuity and for the buckling load of the plate. These response surfaces are constructed from the results of numerical experiments conducted with a finite element analysis. It is shown that by using the proposed procedures, it is possible to obtain response surfaces with a high degree of accuracy. Graduate Research Assistant 1 Professor, Associate Fellow AIAA * Head, Structural Mechanics Branch. Fellow, AIAA Copyright © 1996 by Gerhard Venter. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. with permission.