Modelling for cooperative multi-team-based design optimization

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore different models of multi-team-based design optimization in a cooperative computing environment. To deal with multi-team design, a framework consisting of four mapping constituents (i.e. design decomposition → goal formulation → preference modelling → satisfaction aggregation) is suggested and elaborated together with the related solution strategy. In this framework, three cooperative team design models are proposed to characterize and account for typical schemes of cooperation in design computing. Related algorithms are also presented to facilitate executing these models. To validate the cooperative design models, an example of heat exchanger design is worked out illustratively. The results further show how different schemes of cooperation in multi-team design affect the final design solutions.

Keywords:

• Multi-team design
• Cooperative design paradigm
• Design optimization
• Satisfaction metrics
• Decomposition
• Aggregation

Acknowledgements

The second author is grateful for the support of Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (OGSST). Other funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC research grant number 203019 – 98) and the Materials and Manufacturing Ontario (MMO project numberDE614) are also acknowledged.