Evaluating Three DOE Methodologies: Optimization of a Composite Laminate under Fabrication Error

ABSTRACT

This article aims at systematically comparing three different designs of experiments (DOE) methodologies used in the optimization of engineering structures. The selected methods are a response surface methodology, an adaptive one-factor-at-a-time search methodology, and a Bayesian DOE-based methodology. Six evaluative criteria are defined for the comparison. To perform the study, a simulation-based layout optimization of a four-layer composite laminate is used under a fiber misalignment fabrication error. It is found that each solution method satisfies a particular aspect of the six evaluative criteria and, thus, an application of a multiple criteria decision aid model is suggested to assist the analyst.

KEYWORDS:

• adaptive experimentation
• composite laminate
• response surface methodology
• robust design
• structural optimization

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The first author acknowledges the financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The second and third authors acknowledge the National Science Foundation award #0448972. The authors would also like to thank the reviewers and editor whose suggestions resulted in improvements to the article.