Why and how do design optimization

Simulation based on discretization methods (predominantly finite element methods) offers the potential of dramatic improvements in the efficiency and quality of engineering design through the replacement of costly and time-consuming prototype testing. To stay competitive and gain market share, companies are forced to continuously improve the quality of their final products too. Multi-disciplinary & multi-objective design optimization tools can aid CAE designers and managers in their quest for higher quality and returns. Optimization has been used in industrial design for several decades. In particular, structural optimization has made a major impact. Many of the general optimization problems addressed in the past have been of a tactical nature rather than strategic. However, in recent years computing power and analysis capabilities have developed to the point where designs can now be assessed more comprehensively than ever before, with optimization as an integral part of the design cycle. Moreover there is an increasing industrial pressure to provide products whose cost, performance, durability and customer appeal have been refined and balanced to maximize market return. Aim of the paper consists on giving an analyst who is new to this area an introduction to optimization, a feeling about design optimization advantages and a guideline on how to accomplish a product (or process) optimization.