Reliability-based optimum design for mechanical problems using genetic algorithms

A reliability oriented design approach for mechanical or structural components is implemented primarily based on strength—stress interference (SSI) theory. This paper demonstrates a principle for combining SSI theory and an optimization technique for developing a reliability-based optimum design for mechanical problems. The independently paired information (strength and stress distributions) are basic while progressing reliability design. For a complex system, the independently paired information sometimes is not easily clarified due to the structural complexity or the coupled relationship of the loads. To treat these problems, the paper proposes to express the independently paired information from the viewpoint of supply-requirement of a design in performance. The supply (provided by a design) is analogized to the strength as well as the requirement (requested by the customer) to the stress. Based on the viewpoint of supply-requirement, the paper presents four types of performance-related reliability measurement to fulfil reliability design for mechanical problems. The reliability measurements are derived according to the related design variables that formulate the performance ind