Global and mid-range function approximation for engineering optimization

Global and mid-range approximation concepts are used in engineering optimisation in those cases where the commonly used local approximations are not available or applicable. In this paper the response surface method is discussed as a method to build both global and mid-range approximations of the objective and constraint functions. In this method analysis results in multiple design points are fitted on a chosen approximation model function by means of regression techniques. Especially global approximations rely heavily on appropriate choices of the model functions. This builds a serious bottleneck in applying the method. In mid-range approximations the model selection is much less critical. The response surface method is illustrated at two relatively simple design problems. For building global approximations a new method was developed by Sacks and co-workers, especially regarding the nature of computer experiments. Here, the analysis results in the design sites are exactly predicted, and model selection is more flexible compared to the response surface method. The method will be applied to an analytical test function and a simple design problem. Finally the methods are discussed and compared.