Hi,
the design of assemblies sometimes raises the question of whether, e.g. a connection should be made with less large screws or several small screws. The result of a certain connection strength to be achieved can be achieved with many different variants. This example can be transferred to many similar questions. Another example would be the planning of structures with larger distances between a few support columns and larger cross sections or vice versa.
As an optimization target, then the corresponding cost function can be minimized in such cases, e.g. the lowest manufacturing cost or the greatest possible gain in the production of products.
In order to actually make economic sense in these issues, it is usually necessary to resort to standard parts or standardized dimensions and semi-finished products. For example, it will not make sense to use screws that are custom made or to use sheet thicknesses that are not produced by default.
Now my question regarding the application in MATLAB:
How can I specify the decision variables during the problem deifinition in a way so that for example for screw joints only diameters are permissible that are elements of a defined quantity:
x(ScrewDiameter) is element from {6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24}
A feasible solution satisfies this constraint. An optimal solution would satisfy this constrint with minimal cost.
In that case, the int-constraint would not help me, I think. How can this boundary condition the optimization problem be meaningfully defined in these cases?
Best regards
Stephan
