Optimization

Techniques
Some common examples of optimization problems in
engineering.

• Design aircraft for minimum weight and maximum strength.

• Optimal trajectories of space vehicles.
• Design civil engineering structures for minimum cost.
• Design water-resource projects like dams to mitigate flood damage while yielding
maximum hydropower.
• Predict structural behavior by minimizing potential energy.
• Material-cutting strategy for minimum cost.
• Design pump and heat transfer equipment for maximum efficiency.
• Maximize power output of electrical networks and machinery while minimizing
heat generation.
Some common examples of optimization problems in engineering.

• Shortest route of salesperson visiting various cities during one sales trip.
• Optimal planning and scheduling.
• Statistical analysis and models with minimum error.
• Optimal pipeline networks.
• Inventory control.
• Maintenance planning to minimize cost.
• Minimize waiting and idling times.
• Design waste treatment systems to meet water-quality standards at least cost.
Optimization  Determination of the optimal (maximum or minimum) value of a
given function called objective function, subject to a set of stated
Problems restrictions or constraints
Linear  Is a method of solving an optimization problem when the
objective function is a linear function and the constraints are linear
Programming equations or linear inequalities
Sample Linear
Programming
Problem
Linear
Inequalities
Graphic Representation of
Linear Inequalities
Example
Example
Answer  Pmax=8
Example
Example
Seatwork
The Simplex Method
𝑃 = 5𝑥 + 4𝑦
3𝑥 + 5𝑦 ≤ 78
4𝑥 + 𝑦 ≤ 36
𝑥, 𝑦 ≥ 0
The Simplex
Method with
Three Decision
Variables
 Suppose that a gas-processing plant receives a fixed amount of raw gas
each week. The raw gas is processed into two grades of heating gas,
regular and premium quality. These grades of gas are in high demand
(that is, they are guaranteed to sell) and yield different profits to the
company. However, their production involves both time and on-site
storage constraints. For example, only one of the grades can be produced
at a time, and the facility is open for only 80 hr/week. Further, there is
limited on-site storage for each of the products. All these factors are
listed below (note that a metric ton, or tonne, is equal to 1000 kg):
Application
Application