MECE 5373:  Computer-Based Resolution of Open Problems
Summer 2006

MECE 5373: Computer-Based Resolution of Open Problems
Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: senior standing in College of Engineering. The resolution of open problems in engineering, including their characteristics, approaches for modeling, solution and validation of results. Examples from mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, and industrial engineering.

Location, Time, Days:   To Be Announced

1. Ragsdale, Cliff T., “Spreadsheet modeling and decision analysis, South-Western College Pub., c2001.

2. Vanderbei, Robert J., "Linear Programming: Foundations and Extensions"(undergraduate version). (free download)
   

3. Relevant journal articles (mentioned below) will also be distributed in class and/or posted on the blackboard/web.

1. Senior standing.

2. MECE 3400 or equivalent.

The course will be taught using real-world examples in a case-study format. Major focus will be on the computer implementation of optimization problems such as Linear Programming Problems, although some Quadratic Programming Problems, Nonlinear , Least-squares problem and Dynamic Programming problem(s) would be addressed depending on the student participation and interest (as determined by the student data sheet) in the class. The computer implementation will be acheived by the following software tools:

1. SOLVER module in Excel

2. NEOS (free) available over the web at http://www-neos.mcs.anl.gov/ (AMPL tutorial )

3. Matlab – optimization toolbox. (fmincon)

Case Studies:

1. Flag-pole problem ( Statics, Mechanical) [6]

2. Cutting Stock problem (Mechanical) [8]

3. Oil Refinery problem (chemical )[3]

4. Berlin airlift problem (industrial - logistics) [12]

5. Data networks (electrical)[11]

6. Inventory analysis (industrial) [Ragsdale]

7. Game theoretic formulation of designer/manufacturer dialogue (J. Rao)

8. Portfolio Optimization (finance) [Ragsdale]

9. Building network connection problem ( nonlinear ).[5]

10. Mechanism design problem (dynamics , Mechanical) [4]

11. Truss optimization ( nonlinear ) - statics . Ben-tal, A. and Bendsoe, M.P.[2,7]

12. Design of ride-rings for Rotary Kilns Elasto-plastic design of a column [1]

13. Dynamic Programming problem ( pricing - industrial/financial ) [11]

1. Li, H.L. and Papalambros, P., “A contribution to the optimal design of ride-rings for industrial rotary kilns“, Eng. Opt., 1985, v 8, pp 207-222.

2. Ben-tal, A. and Bendsoe, M.P., "A new method for Optimal truss topology design ", SIAM J. Optimization, v 3, n 2, pp 322-354, May 1993.

3. Padberg, M., " Linear Optimization and extensions", Springer, c1995.

4. Rao, S.S., "Description and Optimum design of fuzzy mechanical systems", Transactions of the ASME : Journal of Mechanisms, Transmissions and Automation in Design, v 109, pp 126-132, March 1987.

5. Nash, S. G. and Sofer, A., "Linear and Nonlinear programming", McGraw-Hill, c1996.

6. Arora, J. S., "Introduction to Optimal Design", Elsevier/Academic Press, 2004.

7. Murlidhar, R., Rao, J.R.J, Badhrinath, K, Kalagatla, A., "Multilevel formulations in the limit analysis and design of structures with bilateral contact constraints" , International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, v 39, pp 2031-2053 (1996)

8. Eiselt, H.A., Pederzoli, G., Sandblom, C.L., " Continuous Optimization Problems",

Walter de Gruyter, 1987, pp 204-219.

9. Eiselt, H.A., Pederzoli, G., Sandblom, C.L., " Continuous Optimization Problems", Walter de Gruyter, 1987, pp 189-205.

10. Eiselt, H.A., Pederzoli, G., Sandblom, C.L., " Continuous Optimization Problems", Walter de Gruyter, 1987, pp 220-227.

11. Bertsekas, D. P. Dynamic programming : deterministic and stochastic models , Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, c1987

12. notes.

1. Assignments :     40 %

2. Midterms (2) :     40 %

3. Final:                   20%

Course developed by Prof F. Mistree and Prof. Jagannatha Rao. Modified for summer 2006 by Chakradhar Iyyunni, Ph.D.