Implementation of a novel Six Sigma multi-objective robustness optimization method based on the improved response surface model for bumper system design

Abstract

In the vehicle industry, a car’s weight and crashworthiness are two conflicting indicators. Owing to uncertainties in loads, geometries, material properties, and operational conditions, deterministic optimization could lead to unreliable or unstable designs and increase the risk of design failure. This study combined the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), Monte Carlo simulation with descriptive sampling (MCSDS), Six Sigma robustness approach, and improved response surface model (IRSM) to develop a general Six Sigma multi-objective reliability-based design optimization method algorithm (6σ-MORO). The proposed method was applied to examine the crashworthiness of a bumper system. In comparison to the response surface model (RSM), the accuracy of the IRSM was improved by only 10 groups of sample points, proving that the IRSM could construct each response surface function efficiently and accurately. Finally, based on the IRSM, a Six Sigma multi-objective robustness optimization was conducted to explore optimal reliability solutions. The results revealed that the proposed method improved the crashworthiness of the bumper system and also ensured its reliability. Note that the optimal design could be fairly promising for engineering design problems with high dimensions.