A Multiobjective Optimization Strategy with Priority Ranking of the Design Objectives

Abstract

Generally, two types of priorities are considered among multiple objectives in the design of machine structures. One of these objectives is named the “hard objective” and is the absolutely indispensable design requirement while the other is called “soft objective” and has a lower priority order. This paper proposes a multiobjective structural optimization strategy with priority ranking of the design objectives. Further, this strategy is demonstrated on the actual example of a motorcycle frame structural design which has three design objectives: (1) an increase in static torsional rigidity, (2) a reduction of dynamic response level, and (3) a decrease in the weight of the motorcycle frame.