A Natural Formalism and a MultiAgent Algorithm for Integrative Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Abstract

MultiDisciplinary Optimization (MDO) problems represent one of the hardest and broadest domains of continuous optimization. By involving both the models and criteria of different disciplines, MDO problems are often too complex to be tackled by classical optimization methods. We propose an approach which takes into account this complexity using a new representation (NDMO - Natural Domain Modeling for Optimization) and a self-adaptive multi-agent algorithm. Our method agentifies the different elements of the problem (such as the variables, the models, the objectives). Each agent is in charge of a small part of the problem and cooperates with others to find equilibrium on conflicting values. Despite the fact that no agent of the system has a complete view of the entire problem, the mechanisms we provide allow the emergence of a coherent solution. Evaluations on several academic and industrial test cases are provided.