Uncertainty Management In Simulation Optimization Of Complex Systems

​This book aims at illustrating strategies to account for uncertainty in complex systems described by computer simulations. When optimizing the performances of these systems, accounting or neglecting uncertainty may lead to completely different results; therefore, uncertainty management is a major issues in simulation-optimization. Because of its wide field of applications, simulation-optimization issues have been addressed by different communities with different methods, and from slightly different perspectives. Alternative approaches have been developed, also depending on the application context, without any well-established method clearly outperforming the others. This editorial project brings together — as chapter contributors — researchers from different (though interrelated) areas; namely, statistical methods, experimental design, stochastic programming, global optimization, metamodeling, and design and analysis of computer simulation experiments. Editors’ goal is to take advantage of such a multidisciplinary environment, to offer to the readers a much deeper understanding of the commonalities and differences of the various approaches to simulation-based optimization, especially in uncertain environments. Editors aim to offer a bibliographic reference on the topic, enabling interested readers to learn about the state-of-the-art in this research area, also accounting for potential real-world applications to improve also the state-of-the-practice. Besides researchers and scientists of the field, the primary audience for the proposed book includes PhD students, academic teachers, as well as practitioners and professionals. Each of these categories of potential readers present adequate channels for marketing actions, e.g. scientific, academic or professional societies, internet-based communities, and authors or buyers of related publications.​

This book presents advanced case studies that address a range of important issues arising in space engineering. An overview of challenging operational scenarios is presented, with an in-depth exposition of related mathematical modeling, algorithmic and numerical solution aspects. The model development and optimization approaches discussed in the book can be extended also towards other application areas. The topics discussed illustrate current research trends and challenges in space engineering as summarized by the following list: • Next Generation Gravity Missions • Continuous-Thrust Trajectories by Evolutionary Neurocontrol • Nonparametric Importance Sampling for Launcher Stage Fallout • Dynamic System Control Dispatch • Optimal Launch Date of Interplanetary Missions • Optimal Topological Design • Evidence-Based Robust Optimization • Interplanetary Trajectory Design by Machine Learning • Real-Time Optimal Control • Optimal Finite Thrust Orbital Transfers • Planning and Scheduling of Multiple Satellite Missions • Trajectory Performance Analysis • Ascent Trajectory and Guidance Optimization • Small Satellite Attitude Determination and Control • Optimized Packings in Space Engineering • Time-Optimal Transfers of All-Electric GEO Satellites Researchers working on space engineering applications will find this work a valuable, practical source of information. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students working in aerospace, engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, and optimal control will find useful information regarding model development and solution techniques, in conjunction with real-world applications.

Metaheuristics for Resource Deployment under Uncertainty in Complex Systems analyzes how to set locations for the deployment of resources to incur the best performance at the lowest cost. Resources can be static nodes and moving nodes while services for a specific area or for customers can be provided. Theories of modeling and solution techniques are used with uncertainty taken into account and real-world applications used. The authors present modeling and metaheuristics for solving resource deployment problems under uncertainty while the models deployed are related to stochastic programming, robust optimization, fuzzy programming, risk management, and single/multi-objective optimization. The resources are heterogeneous and can be sensors and actuators providing different tasks. Both separate and cooperative coverage of the resources are analyzed. Previous research has generally dealt with one type of resource and considers static and deterministic problems, so the book breaks new ground in its analysis of cooperative coverage with heterogeneous resources and the uncertain and dynamic properties of these resources using metaheuristics. This book will help researchers, professionals, academics, and graduate students in related areas to better understand the theory and application of resource deployment problems and theories of uncertainty, including problem formulations, assumptions, and solution methods.

Rare event probability (10-4 and less) estimation has become a large area of research in the reliability engineering and system safety domains. A significant number of methods have been proposed to reduce the computation burden for the estimation of rare events from advanced sampling approaches to extreme value theory. However, it is often difficult in practice to determine which algorithm is the most adapted to a given problem. Estimation of Rare Event Probabilities in Complex Aerospace and Other Systems: A Practical Approach provides a broad up-to-date view of the current available techniques to estimate rare event probabilities described with a unified notation, a mathematical pseudocode to ease their potential implementation and finally a large spectrum of simulation results on academic and realistic use cases. Provides a broad overview of the practical approach of rare event methods. Includes algorithms that are applied to aerospace benchmark test cases Offers insight into practical tuning issues

Considering the uncertainties in mechanical engineering in order to improve the performance of future products or systems is becoming a competitive advantage, sometimes even a necessity, when seeking to guarantee an increasingly high safety requirement. Mechanical Engineering in Uncertainties deals with modeling, quantification and propagation of uncertainties. It also examines how to take into account uncertainties through reliability analyses and optimization under uncertainty. The spectrum of the methods presented ranges from classical approaches to more recent developments and advanced methods. The methodologies are illustrated by concrete examples in various fields of mechanics (civil engineering, mechanical engineering and fluid mechanics). This book is intended for both (young) researchers and engineers interested in the treatment of uncertainties in mechanical engineering.

This thesis develops a pioneering methodology and a concept for identifying critical loads and load model parameters in large power networks based on their influence on power system stability. The research described in the thesis first develops an automatic load modelling tool (ALMT) that can be used to automatically build load model from actual measured power system data without human intervention and the benefits of the ALMY are explored. Secondly, it develops a pioneering framework based on Morris screening method for ranking power system load model parameters based on their influence on overall power system stability (voltage, frequency, transient and small disturbance stability) considering different load models and loading conditions. Thirdly, a novel probabilistic methodology for determining the accuracy levels of critical load model parameters has been developed. This book will be of interest to students and researchers within the field of electrical engineering, as well as industry professionals.

Consuming over 40% of total primary energy, the built environment is in the centre of worldwide strategies and measures towards a more sustainable future. To provide resilient solutions, a simple optimisation of individual technologies will not be sufficient. In contrast, whole system thinking reveals and exploits connections between parts. Each system interacts with others on different scales (materials, components, buildings, cities) and domains (ecology, economy and social). Whole-system designers optimize the performance of such systems by understanding interconnections and identifying synergies. The more complete the design integration, the better the result. In this book, the reader will find the proceedings of the 2016 Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) Regional Conference in Zurich. Papers have been written by academics and practitioners from all continents to bring forth the latest understanding on systems thinking in the built environment.

Process Systems Engineering for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: From Product Design to Enterprise-Wide Decisions, Volume 41, covers the following process systems engineering methods and tools for the modernization of the pharmaceutical industry: computer-aided pharmaceutical product design and pharmaceutical production processes design/synthesis; modeling and simulation of the pharmaceutical processing unit operation, integrated flowsheets and applications for design, analysis, risk assessment, sensitivity analysis, optimization, design space identification and control system design; optimal operation, control and monitoring of pharmaceutical production processes; enterprise-wide optimization and supply chain management for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Currently, pharmaceutical companies are going through a paradigm shift, from traditional manufacturing mode to modernized mode, built on cutting edge technology and computer-aided methods and tools. Such shifts can benefit tremendously from the application of methods and tools of process systems engineering. Introduces Process System Engineering (PSE) methods and tools for discovering, developing and deploying greener, safer, cost-effective and efficient pharmaceutical production processes Includes a wide spectrum of case studies where different PSE tools and methods are used to improve various pharmaceutical production processes with distinct final products Examines the future benefits and challenges for applying PSE methods and tools to pharmaceutical manufacturing