Interdisciplinary Coupling in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO): Challenges and Innovative Solutions

Authors

  • Vikram Singh M Tech Student, Department of Structural Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi, India

Keywords:

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO), Interdisciplinary Coupling, Computational Complexity, Surrogate Modeling, Multi-Fidelity Modeling

Abstract

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is a powerful computational approach for optimizing complex engineering systems by integrating multiple disciplines. One of the fundamental challenges in MDO is interdisciplinary coupling, which arises due to interdependencies between different subsystems. These couplings introduce significant computational complexity, data integration issues, uncertainty propagation, and convergence difficulties, making optimization challenging. This review article explores the key challenges associated with interdisciplinary coupling in MDO, including computational costs, model uncertainties, and disciplinary conflicts. Additionally, the paper highlights innovative solutions such as surrogate modeling, machine learning-based acceleration techniques, multi-fidelity modeling, coupled solvers, and blockchain-enabled data sharing. Recent advancements in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering applications demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques in overcoming interdisciplinary coupling issues. The study concludes that integrating adaptive artificial intelligence-driven MDO frameworks can further streamline interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance optimization efficiency. Future research should focus on improving computational scalability, uncertainty quantification, and real-time data integration in MDO systems.

References

Martins JR, Lambe AB. Multidisciplinary design optimization: a survey of architectures. AIAA journal. 2013 Sep;51(9):2049-75.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski J, Haftka RT. Multidisciplinary aerospace design optimization: survey of recent developments. Structural optimization. 1997 Aug;14:1-23.

Balling RJ, Sobieszczanski-Sobieski J. Optimization of coupled systems-a critical overview of approaches. AIAA journal. 1996 Jan;34(1):6-17.

Alexandrov NM, Hussaini MY, editors. Multidisciplinary design optimization: State of the art.

Haftka RT, Gürdal Z. Elements of structural optimization. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012 Dec 6.

Martins JR, Lambe AB. Multidisciplinary design optimization: a survey of architectures. AIAA journal. 2013 Sep;51(9):2049-75.

Simpson TW, Poplinski JD, Koch PN, Allen JK. Metamodels for computer-based engineering design: survey and recommendations. Engineering with computers. 2001 Jul;17:129-50.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski J, Agte JS, Sandusky Jr RR. Bilevel integrated system synthesis. AIAA journal. 2000 Jan;38(1):164-72.

Forrester A, Sobester A, Keane A. Engineering design via surrogate modelling: a practical guide. John Wiley & Sons; 2008 Sep 15.

Martins JR, Ning A. Engineering design optimization. Cambridge University Press; 2021 Nov 18.

Tosserams S, Etman LF, Rooda JE. Augmented Lagrangian coordination for distributed optimal design in MDO. International journal for numerical methods in engineering. 2008 Mar 26;73(13):1885-910.

Meng D, Li YF, Huang HZ, Wang Z, Liu Y. Reliability-based multidisciplinary design optimization using subset simulation analysis and its application in the hydraulic transmission mechanism design. Journal of Mechanical Design. 2015 May 1;137(5):051402.

Published

2025-05-03