A probability based methodology for multi object optimization in material selection

Abstract

Multi object optimization in material selection involves the satisfaction of optimizing the multi attributes simultaneously, which analogically corresponds to the simultaneous appearance of the event of the multi attributes in the viewpoint of probability theory, thus the optimization of multi – object becomes the assessment of the “joint probability” of these multi – attribute problem. Furthermore, the preferential degree of the candidate material in the material selection is reflected by the concept of preferential probability, and a quantitative approach for evaluating the partial preferential probability of each material attribute indicator and the total (joint) preferential probability of candidate material in the material selection is proposed on basis of probability theory correspondingly. In the approach, all material attribute indicators are divided into beneficial or unbeneficial types; each material attribute indicator of the candidate contributes one partial preferential probability linearly to its authorized material upon its nature of whether beneficial or unbeneficial type merely; the product of all partial preferential probabilities of a candidate makes its total preferential probability, which is the final unique index in the material selection decisively; the candidate materials can be ranked according to their total preferential probabilities, which determines the result of the selection. Furthermore, the condition of discrete input variables and the objects is extended to the case of continuous input variables and the objects. Some examples are given in detail, satisfied results are obtained.