Abstract

This article presents a robust multi-objective design and optimization approach with parametric and model-form uncertainty quantification (MDO with P&MF-UQ). The first part of the article focuses on incorporating parametric uncertainty quantification (P-UQ) into the MDO framework, where a sensitivity index is defined as a quantitative measure of system design robustness with regards to manufacturing variability in the design of systems with multiple performance functions. To demonstrate the benefits of incorporating P-UQ analysis into the design optimization framework, this article presents the design and optimization of a robust high-efficiency high-power-density 1.25 kW Vienna-type rectifier. The optimum design solution is realized by exploring the Pareto Front of the enhanced performance space where the parametric sensitivity of each design point is considered to discern between cases and help identify the most parametrically-robust of the Pareto-optimal design solutions. It is shown that the design sensitivity is reduced by 39% when the optimum design is selected using MDO with P-UQ rather than the conventional MDO.