Information Management Capabilities of MDO Frameworks

Abstract

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is a methodology, which integrates analysis and optimization techniques to solve engineering design problems involving multiple disciplines. MDO frameworks have been developed which facilitate the integration of disciplinary analysis code and optimization techniques. Commonly used MDO frameworks include ModelCenter, iSIGHT, modeFRONTIER and FIDO. Recent advances in MDO framework have addressed issues related to data exchange, distributed computing, process integration and trade study. However managing, storing and sharing MDO problem information have not yet been addressed. Thus, the primary objective in this research is to propose a new configuration for MDO frameworks to enhance information management capabilities. This is achieved by (1) identifying requirements for managing decision-related information, (2) evaluating current MDO frameworks against the key information management requirements, and (3) extending current software to include a file information system and structured repository. Finally, a new configuration is developed augmenting a structured repository to enable reuse of information associated with the formulation of MDO problems.