An optimization study of a hydraulic breaking system

This paper describes a computer-aided optimization study of a hydraulic bre aking system capable of withstanding 2000 kN of breaking forces. A mathemat ical model for the breaking system was formulated and good agreement was ob tained between the predicted and measured results. The mathematical model i s linked with an optimization algorithm to search for combinations of desig n variables that produce the optimum system performance and the study used a multi-variable constrained direct-search optimization technique. The case in question consists of some 48 free variables which are geometrically rel ated and are highly constrained in a search domain of a 49 dimensional hype r-space. Results reconfirm the value of computer-aided optimization in engi neering design applications.