3. Optimum design

Today, the design of a given device implies that, in addition to being functional, it must also offer the best performance in relation to the specifications, which means seeking the best solution to the problem posed. This is done implicitly by the designer or explicitly by defining an optimization problem, which is iterative by nature.

With a view to optimizing design while taking the environment into account, various software tools have become elementary building blocks to be implemented by discipline or trade. Spreadsheets, analytical and numerical calculation tools, and simulation software for calculating spatial and temporal physical quantities have become modeling building blocks. The challenge is to know how to assemble them to create a design process leading to a solution, if possible an optimal one, within an acceptable timeframe. In addition, since not...