Third Party Design Optimization Tools

You are here: Home >> Products >> Design Optimization >> Third Party Design Optimization Tools

The following Third Party design optimization tools are also available for use with ModelCenter:

• DOT - Gradient-based algorithms
• OptWorks - Evolutionary-based algorithms
• ProbWorks - Probabilistic analysis tools

DOT - Gradient-based optimizer

DOT (Design Optimization TOols) is a suite of gradient-based algorithms that can be used to solve a wide variety of nonlinear optimization problems. The optimizer will change the input parameters of a model in order to minimize or maximize an objective, subject to constraints specified by the user. The final responses can be linear or nonlinear functions of the design variables and may be calculated as very simple analytical functions or they may be highly complicated implicit functions.

DOT is developed by Vanderplaats Research & Development, Inc. (www.vrand.com/DOT.html)

OptWorks

OptWorks is a suite of non-gradient-based optimization tools for use in a wide variety of complex optimization problems. OptWorks is especially beneficial in situations where the design space may be non-smooth or discontinuous or in which some or all of the independent variables may be integers instead of continuous variables.

Each of the algorithms in the OptWorks suite is coded as a Java component and can easily be dragged-and-dropped into a ModelCenter project file from a local or remote Analysis Server. The individual drivers in the current release include:

• Genetic Algorithm (GA)
• AutoGA - a simplified GA for non-experienced users
• Simulated Annealing (SA)
• AutoSA - a simplified SA for non-experienced users
• Coordinate Pattern Search (with or without a Compass Search option)
• Grid Search
• Random Walk
• Random Search

OptWorks is developed by Pi Blue Software, Inc. (www.piblue.com/products/optworks_mc.html).

ProbWorks

ProbWorks is a suite of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis tools that are useful when trying to minimize the computational expense for Monte Carlo simulations, ranking the influence of input variables, and performing design space approximations through Response Surface Methodologies (RSM).

Each of the algorithms in the ProbWorks suite is coded as a Java component and can easily be dragged-and-dropped into a ModelCenter project file from a local or remote Analysis Server. The individual drivers in the current release are:

• Monte Carlo
• Discrete Probability Optimal Matching Distribution (DPOMD)
• Pareto Sensitivity
• Response Surface Equation (RSE) Generator

ProbWorks is developed by Pi Blue Software, Inc. (www.piblue.com/products/probworks_mc.html).