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On the consideration of uncertainty in design: optimization - reliability - robustness

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Abstract

Structural designs proposed by engineers aim to ensure that specific defined requirements are satisfied. Structural optimization is also widely used to identify an admissible design with optimal performance. However, it is important to remember that real mechanical problems exhibit uncertainties in practice that might entail challenges when searching for admissible and/or optimal design solutions. One objective of this paper is to discuss the possible formulations of design problems in this type of uncertain context. By considering uncertainties in the constraint and/or objective functions underlying design problems, several design strategies might in fact be implemented. Especially, this paper should contribute to clarifying the use of the concepts of robustness and reliability in design. After an introduction, the featured design strategies are illustrated and discussed via three academic examples which involve multiple random and design variables. Results show that the structural solutions obtained can be quite sensitive to the formulation of the problem. Thus, the latter should be considered as an essential step during the design procedure.

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Acknowledgments

The first author was funded by a ministerial grant from Blaise Pascal University. The contribution of SNECMA Villaroche is also gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, BP 10448, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Nicolas Lelièvre

  2. Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, SIGMA Clermont, BP 10448, 63171, Aubiere, France

    Pierre Beaurepaire, Cécile Mattrand & Nicolas Gayton

  3. CNRS, UMR 6602, Institut Pascal, 63171, Aubiere, France

    Nicolas Lelièvre, Pierre Beaurepaire, Cécile Mattrand & Nicolas Gayton

  4. SNECMA Site Villaroche, Rond-Point René Ravaud, 77550, Moissy-Cramayel Cedex, France

    Abdelkader Otsmane

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  1. Nicolas Lelièvre
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Correspondence to Nicolas Lelièvre.

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Lelièvre, N., Beaurepaire, P., Mattrand, C. et al. On the consideration of uncertainty in design: optimization - reliability - robustness. Struct Multidisc Optim 54, 1423–1437 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-016-1556-5

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