Weighting objectives strategy in multicriterion fuzzy mechanical and structural optimization

Abstract

The weighting strategy has received a great attention and has been widely applied to multicriterion optimization. This gaper examines a global criterion method (GCM) with the weighting objectives strategy in fuzzy structural engineering problems. Fuzziness of those problems are in their design goals, constraints and variables. Most of the constraints are originated from analysis of engineering mechanics. The GCM is verified to be equivalent to fuzzy goal programming via a truss design. Continued and mixed discrete variable spaces are presented and examined using a fuzzy global criterion method (FGCM). In the design process a weighting parameter with fuzzy information is introduced into the design and decision making. We use a uniform machine-tool spindle as an illustrative example in continuous design space. Fuzzy multicriterion optimization in mixed design space is illustrated by the design of mechanical spring stacks. Results show that weighting strategy in FGCM can generate both the best compromise solution and a set of Pareto solutions in fuzzy environment. Weighting technique with fuzziness provides a more relaxed design domain, which increases the satisfying degree of a compromise solution or improves the final design.