Engineering optimization needs easy-to-use and efficient optimization tools that can be employed for practical purposes. In this context, stochastic search techniques have good reputation and wide acceptability as being powerful tools for solving complex engineering optimization problems. However, increased complexity of some metaheuristic algorithms sometimes makes it difficult for engineers t...

In order to limit new product development time and ensure quality, the engineer needs to understand the capability of the manufacturing process that will be used. Specifically, the engineer must be able to assess the feasibility of producing the parameters (i.e. dimensions and physical properties) of a design within their specified tolerances and understand how variation will affect the ideal f...