Interactive multiobjective optimization procedure

This research focuses on multiobjective system design and optimization. The primary goal is to develop and test a mathematically rigorous and efficien t interactive multiobjective optimization algorithm that takes into account the designer's preferences during the design process. In this research, an interactive multiobjective optimization procedure (IMOOP) that uses an asp iration-level approach to generate Pareto points Is developed. This method provides the designer or the decision maker (DM) with a formal means for ef ficient design exploration around a given Pareto point. More specifically, the procedure provides the DM with the Pareto sensitivity information and t he Pareto surface approximation at a given Pareto design for decision makin g and tradeoff analysis. The IMOOP has been successfully applied to two tes t problems. The first problem consists of a set of simple analytical expres sions for its objective and constraints. The second problem is the design a nd sizing of a high-performance and low-cost Ill-bar structure that has mul tiple objectives. The results indicate that the Pareto designs predicted by the Pareto surface approximation are reasonable and the performance of the second-order approximation is superior compared to that of the first-order approximation. Using this procedure a set of new aspirations that reflect the DM's preferences are easily and efficiently generated, and the new Pare to design corresponding to these aspirations is close to the aspirations th emselves. This is important in that it builds the confidence of the DM in t his interactive procedure for obtaining a satisfactory final Pareto design in a minimal number of iterations.