Model-Based Partitioning in Optimal Design of Large Engineering Systems

Abstract

The article describes a method to identify weakly-connected structures in design optimization models---an optimization problem in itself. A model is represented by a hypergraph in which nodes represent design relations (i.e., design objectives and constraints) and hyperedges represent design and state/behavior variables. Optimal model-based partitioning of the problem is then solved using graph and hypergraph partitioning techniques, such as spectral and local search methods. The formulation is able to account for computational demands and resources, strength of coupling between design relations, and partitioning constraints of decomposition-by-components and decomposition-by-disciplines. Automotive powertrain system and structural optimization models are used as examples. The method may also be used to organize the design process