Optimizing Engineering Designs

"Optimizing Engineering Designs" concerns the experimental stages in the design or development of new products. Experiments often constitute the most time-consuming phase within the schedule of a product's development. Shortening this phase by means of exact planning and reliable results can lead to an enormous advantage over competition. This text demonstrates the setting up of cost effective and accurate experiments, whether on paper/computer, or using a prototype. Taguchi methods have been dominant, but a number of alternatives are now offered, and are gaining popularity. Time series analysis, Taguchi, Shanin and genetic algorithm are the four major techniques covered. There is also a major chapter introducing other methods and their benefits and drawbacks.