In this revised and enhanced second edition of Optimization Concepts and Applications in Engineering, the already robust pedagogy has been enhanced with more detailed explanations, an increased number of solved examples and end-of-chapter problems. The source codes are now available free on multiple platforms. It is vitally important to meet or exceed previous quality and reliability standards while at the same time reducing resource consumption. This textbook addresses this critical imperative integrating theory, modeling, the development of numerical methods, and problem solving, thus preparing the student to apply optimization to real-world problems. This text covers a broad variety of optimization problems using: unconstrained, constrained, gradient, and non-gradient techniques; duality concepts; multiobjective optimization; linear, integer, geometric, and dynamic programming with applications; and finite element-based optimization. It is ideal for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses and for practising engineers in all engineering disciplines, as well as in applied mathematics.

An Application-Oriented Introduction to Essential Optimization Concepts and Best Practices Optimization is an inherent human tendency that gained new life after the advent of calculus; now, as the world grows increasingly reliant on complex systems, optimization has become both more important and more challenging than ever before. Engineering Optimization provides a practically-focused introduction to modern engineering optimization best practices, covering fundamental analytical and numerical techniques throughout each stage of the optimization process. Although essential algorithms are explained in detail, the focus lies more in the human function: how to create an appropriate objective function, choose decision variables, identify and incorporate constraints, define convergence, and other critical issues that define the success or failure of an optimization project. Examples, exercises, and homework throughout reinforce the author’s “do, not study” approach to learning, underscoring the application-oriented discussion that provides a deep, generic understanding of the optimization process that can be applied to any field. Providing excellent reference for students or professionals, Engineering Optimization: Describes and develops a variety of algorithms, including gradient based (such as Newton’s, and Levenberg-Marquardt), direct search (such as Hooke-Jeeves, Leapfrogging, and Particle Swarm), along with surrogate functions for surface characterization Provides guidance on optimizer choice by application, and explains how to determine appropriate optimizer parameter values Details current best practices for critical stages of specifying an optimization procedure, including decision variables, defining constraints, and relationship modeling Provides access to software and Visual Basic macros for Excel on the companion website, along with solutions to examples presented in the book Clear explanations, explicit equation derivations, and practical examples make this book ideal for use as part of a class or self-study, assuming a basic understanding of statistics, calculus, computer programming, and engineering models. Anyone seeking best practices for “making the best choices” will find value in this introductory resource.

An accessible introduction to metaheuristics and optimization, featuring powerful and modern algorithms for application across engineering and the sciences From engineering and computer science to economics and management science, optimization is a core component for problem solving. Highlighting the latest developments that have evolved in recent years, Engineering Optimization: An Introduction with Metaheuristic Applications outlines popular metaheuristic algorithms and equips readers with the skills needed to apply these techniques to their own optimization problems. With insightful examples from various fields of study, the author highlights key concepts and techniques for the successful application of commonly-used metaheuristc algorithms, including simulated annealing, particle swarm optimization, harmony search, and genetic algorithms. The author introduces all major metaheuristic algorithms and their applications in optimization through a presentation that is organized into three succinct parts: Foundations of Optimization and Algorithms provides a brief introduction to the underlying nature of optimization and the common approaches to optimization problems, random number generation, the Monte Carlo method, and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method Metaheuristic Algorithms presents common metaheuristic algorithms in detail, including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, ant algorithms, bee algorithms, particle swarm optimization, firefly algorithms, and harmony search Applications outlines a wide range of applications that use metaheuristic algorithms to solve challenging optimization problems with detailed implementation while also introducing various modifications used for multi-objective optimization Throughout the book, the author presents worked-out examples and real-world applications that illustrate the modern relevance of the topic. A detailed appendix features important and popular algorithms using MATLAB® and Octave software packages, and a related FTP site houses MATLAB code and programs for easy implementation of the discussed techniques. In addition, references to the current literature enable readers to investigate individual algorithms and methods in greater detail. Engineering Optimization: An Introduction with Metaheuristic Applications is an excellent book for courses on optimization and computer simulation at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners working in the fields of mathematics, engineering, computer science, operations research, and management science who use metaheuristic algorithms to solve problems in their everyday work.

A Rigorous Mathematical Approach To Identifying A Set Of Design Alternatives And Selecting The Best Candidate From Within That Set, Engineering Optimization Was Developed As A Means Of Helping Engineers To Design Systems That Are Both More Efficient And Less Expensive And To Develop New Ways Of Improving The Performance Of Existing Systems.Thanks To The Breathtaking Growth In Computer Technology That Has Occurred Over The Past Decade, Optimization Techniques Can Now Be Used To Find Creative Solutions To Larger, More Complex Problems Than Ever Before. As A Consequence, Optimization Is Now Viewed As An Indispensable Tool Of The Trade For Engineers Working In Many Different Industries, Especially The Aerospace, Automotive, Chemical, Electrical, And Manufacturing Industries.In Engineering Optimization, Professor Singiresu S. Rao Provides An Application-Oriented Presentation Of The Full Array Of Classical And Newly Developed Optimization Techniques Now Being Used By Engineers In A Wide Range Of Industries. Essential Proofs And Explanations Of The Various Techniques Are Given In A Straightforward, User-Friendly Manner, And Each Method Is Copiously Illustrated With Real-World Examples That Demonstrate How To Maximize Desired Benefits While Minimizing Negative Aspects Of Project Design.Comprehensive, Authoritative, Up-To-Date, Engineering Optimization Provides In-Depth Coverage Of Linear And Nonlinear Programming, Dynamic Programming, Integer Programming, And Stochastic Programming Techniques As Well As Several Breakthrough Methods, Including Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, And Neural Network-Based And Fuzzy Optimization Techniques.Designed To Function Equally Well As Either A Professional Reference Or A Graduate-Level Text, Engineering Optimization Features Many Solved Problems Taken From Several Engineering Fields, As Well As Review Questions, Important Figures, And Helpful References.Engineering Optimization Is A Valuable Working Resource For Engineers Employed In Practically All Technological Industries. It Is Also A Superior Didactic Tool For Graduate Students Of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical And Aerospace Engineering.

Based on course-tested material, this rigorous yet accessible graduate textbook covers both fundamental and advanced optimization theory and algorithms. It covers a wide range of numerical methods and topics, including both gradient-based and gradient-free algorithms, multidisciplinary design optimization, and uncertainty, with instruction on how to determine which algorithm should be used for a given application. It also provides an overview of models and how to prepare them for use with numerical optimization, including derivative computation. Over 400 high-quality visualizations and numerous examples facilitate understanding of the theory, and practical tips address common issues encountered in practical engineering design optimization and how to address them. Numerous end-of-chapter homework problems, progressing in difficulty, help put knowledge into practice. Accompanied online by a solutions manual for instructors and source code for problems, this is ideal for a one- or two-semester graduate course on optimization in aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering departments.

This accessible textbook demonstrates how to recognize, simplify, model and solve optimization problems - and apply these principles to new projects.