Margin allocation and tradeoff in complex systems design and optimization

Guenov, M. D., Chen, X., Molina-Cristobal, A. , Riaz, A., van Heerden, A. S. J. and Padulo, M. (2018) Margin allocation and tradeoff in complex systems design and optimization. AIAA Journal, 56(7), pp. 2887-2902. (doi: 10.2514/1.J056357)

Abstract

Presented is an approach for interactive margin management. Existing methods enable a fixed set of allowable margin combinations to be identified, but these have limitations with regard to supporting interactive exploration of the effects of 1) margins on other margins, 2) margins on performance, and 3) margins on the probabilities of constraint satisfaction. To this purpose, the concept of a margin space is introduced. It is bidirectionally linked to the design space to enable the designer to understand how assigning margins on certain parameters limits the allowable margins that can be assigned to other parameters. Also, a novel framework is developed. It incorporates the margin space concept as well as enablers, including interactive visualization techniques, which can aid the designer in exploring the margin and design spaces dynamically, as well as the effects of margins on the probability of constraint satisfaction and on performance. The framework was implemented into a prototype software tool, AirCADia, which was used for a qualitative evaluation by practicing designers. The evaluation, conducted as part of the European Union’s Thermal Overall Integrated Conception of Aircraft project, demonstrates the usefulness of the approach.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The research leading to these results was funded by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2013-2016, Thermal Overall Integrated Conception of Aircraft project) under grant agreement no. 604981.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: van Heerden, Dr Stevan and Molina-Cristobal, Dr Arturo
• Authors: Guenov, M. D., Chen, X., Molina-Cristobal, A., Riaz, A., van Heerden, A. S. J., and Padulo, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Journal Name: AIAA Journal
• Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• ISSN: 0001-1452
• ISSN (Online): 1533-385X
• Published Online: 07 May 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.
• First Published: First published in AIAA Journal 56(7):2887-2902
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy