Publication Cover
Journal of Quality Technology
A Quarterly Journal of Methods, Applications and Related Topics
Volume 36, 2004 - Issue 4
148
Views
96
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

A Genetic Algorithm Approach to Multiple-Response Optimization

, , &
Pages 432-450 | Published online: 16 Feb 2018
 

Abstract

Many designed experiments require the simultaneous optimization of multiple responses. A common approach is to use a desirability function combined with an optimization algorithm to find the most desirable settings of the controllable factors. However, as the problem grows even moderately in either the number of factors or the number of responses, conventional optimization algorithms can fail to find the global optimum. An alternative approach is to use a heuristic search procedure such as a genetic algorithm (GA). This paper proposes and develops a multiple-response solution technique using a GA in conjunction with an unconstrained desirability function. The GA requires that several parameters be determined in order for the algorithm to operate effectively. We perform a robust designed experiment in order to tune the genetic algorithm to perform well regardless of the complexity of the multiple-response optimization problem. The performance of the proposed GA method is evaluated and compared with the performance of the method that combines the desirability with the generalized reduced gradient (GRG) optimization. The evaluation shows that only the proposed GA approach consistently and effectively solves multiple-response problems of varying complexity.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Francisco Ortiz

Mr. Francisco Ortiz, Jr., is a doctoral student in the Department of Industrial Engineering. He is a member of ASQ. His email address is [email protected].

James R. Simpson

Dr. James R. Simpson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering. He is a member of ASQ. His email address is [email protected].

Joseph J. Pignatiello

Dr. Joseph J. Pignatiello, Jr., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering. He is a member of ASQ. His email address is [email protected].

Alejandro Heredia-Langner

Dr. Alejandro Heredia-Langner is a postdoctoral fellow in the Statistical and Quantitative Sciences Group. His email address is [email protected].

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.