Design optimization is a standard concept in engineering design, and in other disciplines which utilize mathematical decision-making methods. This textbook focuses on the close relationship between a design problem's mathematical model and the solution-driven methods which optimize it. Along with extensive material on modeling problems, this book also features useful techniques for checking whether a model is suitable for computational treatment. Throughout, key concepts are discussed in the context of why and when a particular algorithm may be successful, and a large number of examples demonstrate the theory or method right after it is presented. This book also contains step-by-step instructions for executing a design optimization project - from building the problem statement to interpreting the computer results. All chapters contain exercises from which instructors can easily build quizzes, and a chapter on 'principles and practice' offers the reader tips and guidance based on the authors' vast research and instruction experience.
'Principles of Optimal Design, third edition, offers an excellent combination of depth and breadth of fundamentals of mathematical modeling of systems design. Students and practitioners will find the textbook a great starting point to learn about the systems design methods and optimization theories from the fundamentals to the advanced numerical methods. The recent addition of the decomposition-based optimization method and analytical target cascading is a nice expansion to the traditional optimization methods. I use this textbook to teach graduate and advanced undergraduate students who have basic understanding of numerical analysis. Students appreciate the spectrum of contents and they become ready to apply what they learn from the textbook to complex systems design cases. I highly recommend the textbook.' Harrison Hyung, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign