Using global synthesis to find tolerance-insensitive design forms

Abstract

We describe a method of using Global Synthesis^"R" for finding tolerance-insensitive design forms. By simultaneously optimizing several design configurations that are nominally identical but differ by tolerance-level perturbations, one is essentially requesting that the optimizer find solutions that are insensitive to the types of perturbations present. Global Synthesis is a useful tool for examining a wide range of design forms; when combined with a merit function that prefers less sensitive solutions, it is particularly useful in exploring the space of tolerance-insensitive design configurations.