Introduction to Optimum Design

Introduction to Optimum Design, Third Edition describes an organized approach to engineering design optimization in a rigorous yet simplified manner. It illustrates various concepts and procedures with simple examples and demonstrates their applicability to engineering design problems. Formulation of a design problem as an optimization problem is emphasized and illustrated throughout the text. Excel and MATLAB® are featured as learning and teaching aids.

• Basic concepts of optimality conditions and numerical methods are described with simple and practical examples, making the material highly teachable and learnable
• Includes applications of optimization methods for structural, mechanical, aerospace, and industrial engineering problems
• Introduction to MATLAB Optimization Toolbox
• Practical design examples introduce students to the use of optimization methods early in the book
• New example problems throughout the text are enhanced with detailed illustrations
• Optimum design with Excel Solver has been expanded into a full chapter
• New chapter on several advanced optimum design topics serves the needs of instructors who teach more advanced courses

Dr. Arora is the F. Wendell Miller Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa. He was also Director of the Optimal Design Laboratory and Associate Director of the Center for Computer Aided Design. He is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of optimization, numerical analysis, and real-time implementation. His research interests include optimization-based digital human modeling, dynamic response optimization, optimal control of systems, design sensitivity analysis and optimization of nonlinear systems, and parallel optimization algorithms. Dr. Arora has authored two books, co-authored or edited five others, written 160 journal articles, 27 book chapters, 130 conference papers, and more than 300 technical reports.