Research in Engineering Design
Volume 6, Number 4 (1994), Pages 234-246.
Abstract
The it method of imprecision is a design method
whereby a multi-objective design problem is resolved by maximizing
the overall degree of designer preference:
values are iteratively selected based on combining the
degree of preference placed on them.
Consider, however, design problems that
exhibit multiple uncertainty forms (noise).
In addition to degrees of preference ( imprecision)
there are probabilistic uncertainties
caused by, for example, measuring and fabrication limitations.
There are also parameters that can take on any value it possible
within a specified range, such as a manufacturing or tuning adjustment.
Finally, there may be parameters which
must necessarily satisfy all values
within the range over which they vary, such as a horsepower
requirement over a motor's different speeds.
This paper defines a ``best'' set of
design parameters for design problems with such multiple uncertainty forms
and requirements.