An efficient reliability-based optimization method for uncertain structures based on non-probability interval model

In this paper, an efficient interval optimization method based on a reliability-based possibility degree of interval (RPDI) is suggested for the design of uncertain structures. A general nonlinear interval optimization problem is studied in which the objective function and constraints are both nonlinear and uncertain. Through an interval order relation and a reliability-based possibility degree of interval, the uncertain optimization problem is transformed into a deterministic one. A sequence of approximate optimization problems are constructed based on the linear approximation technique. Each approximate optimization problem can be changed to a traditional linear programming problem, which can be easily solved by the simplex method. An iterative framework is also created, in which the design space is updated adaptively and a fine optimum can be well reached. Two numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method. Finally, it is employed to perform the optimization design of a practical automobile frame.