Multiobjective optimization. Principles and case studies. (Q4439634)

The book consists of three parts. The first part (Chapters 1--6) deals with the principles of multiobjective optimization methods. The particular chapters are devoted to scalar methods, interactive methods, fuzzy methods, and multiobjective methods using metaheuristics and decision aid methods. The second part concentrates on evaluation of methods, and criteria for choice of method (Chaps. 7--9). The sequential chapters contain a performance measurement, test functions for multiobjective optimization methods, an attempt to classify multiobjective optimization methods. The third part (Chaps. 10--13) is devoted to case studies as follows: qualification of scientific software, study of the extension of a telecommunication network, multicriteria decision tools to deal with bids. Multiobjective optimization allows a degree of freedom, which is lacking in mono-objective optimization. This flexibility is not without consequences for the method used to find an optimum for the problem when it is finally modeled. The search will give us not a unique solution but a set of solutions. These solutions are called Pareto solutions, and the set of solutions that one can find at the end of the search is called the tradeoff surface. After having found some solutions for the multiobjective optimization problem, one comes up against some difficulties: one must select a solution from this set. The solution selected by the user will reflect tradeoffs performed by the user with respect to the various objective functions. The book is accessible to the novice and expert, alike and can be used by students, engineers and scientists working in aerospace, automotive, and mechanical and civil engineering.