Course content

Applied nonlinear optimisation, definition of mathematical optimisation, survey about treatment/solution of nonlinear optimisation problems with both continuous and discrete variables, special optimisation problems, graphical optimisation, contributions to creative/innovative engineering work (e.g., Computer-Aided Engineering, - Design, - Manufacturing and - Quality Assurance), software tools for nonlinear optimisation (e.g. MS Excel Solver, MATLAB Optimization Toolbox, Pro/ENGINEER, NOSYS, ...), systems analysis via nonlinear optimisation, selected applications in Production Engineering and related areas, derivation of an optimisation-based manufacturing systematics.

Learning outcome

This course is offered for both engineering and management staff in Production Engineering, but also for all other optimisation-interested people to make them familiar with and able to use the powerful possibilities in substantiable, applied optimisation for better utilisation of resources in manpower, material, energy, time, information, etc.
It is being given a stream-lined insight into and experiences of nonlinear optimisation modelling, the numerical treatment of such tasks and the application of optimisation software tools to solve corresponding problems in their own and many other working fields.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises, project work with the topic in the PhD project's research area, one colloquium.
The course requires an accepted project report about the treatment of an applied optimisation problem containing technical, PC and other experimental work. The project evaluation gives 50 % of the final grade in an oral examination.
The course is being given in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge about classical calculus (maximum/minimum for multivariable functions). Ideas on matters what/how to improve in the participants' (PhD) working areas are advantageous.

Course materials

Koch, W. H.: Lectures on Production Engineering Nonlinear Optimisation. Lecture Notes, Trondheim, 2010.
Koch, W. H.: On the utilisation of several optimisation software systems. Working paper, Trondheim, 2010.
Koch, W. H.: NOSYS task collection. Trondheim, 2006-2010.
Støtte:
Nocedal, J./Wright, S. J. [2006]: Numerical Optimization. Second edition. Springer Series in Operations Research, New York, 2006.
Selected papers from scientific journals.

Credit reductions