Handling Integrated Quantitative and Qualitative Search Space in a Real World Optimisation Problem

Since information in engineering design problems can be both quantitative (Q T ) and qualitative (Q L ) in nature, combining both types of information can result in more realistic solution for real world optimisation problems. However, most of the approaches reported in literature are incapable of conducting optimisation search in such mixed environment. Therefore this paper proposes a mathematically proven methodology for handling integrated Q T and Q L search space in real world optimisation problems. The paper begins by presenting the definition of these optimisation problems an analysis of the challenges that they pose for existing optimisation strategies and related research. The paper then presents the proposed solution strategy and the mathmatical proof. Furthermore, a case study on rod rolling problem is presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed metholodology. The paper concludes with a brief outline of limitations and future research activities.