Overview

In this chapter, we introduce the important activities of analysis, design, optimization, and modeling. While we are all generally familiar with these terms, it is important to understand them in the context of how they relate to our optimization activities. We also develop an important understanding of how modeling system behavior is a distinct activity from modeling an optimization problem. These involve two distinct lines of expertise. In most of your courses (e.g., structures, dynamics and finance) you focused on the former. In this book, we focus on the latter.

Analysis, Design and Optimization

Analysis and optimization are two activities integral to the process of design (Refs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]). In this chapter, as well as in the remainder of the book, we will primarily focus on these two activities in the context of engineering or systems design. However, the mathematical concepts, approaches, algorithms, and software tools that you will learn in this book could be applicable to diverse fields beyond engineering (e.g., optimization of market portfolios) [6]. Although, from a technical perspective, analysis and optimization can be considered to be steps within the process of design, they can also be performed as stand-alone activities toward other end goals within the scope of academic research and industrial R&D. In this section, you will learn the definition of these activities and how they are related to each other. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the roles and responsibilities of the users, researchers, or engineers who execute these activities, whether individually or as a part of a team.

In order to help you better understand the practical essence of these activities, the following simple design example will be used throughout this section. You are designing a table that can carry as much weight (of objects placed on it) as possible, while fitting within a particular corner of your room. You are allowed a limited budget to construct the table.