Introduction to Optimum Design [Hardcover]

Jasbir Arora (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0120641550 | ISBN-13: 978-0120641550 | Publication Date: May 19, 2004 | Edition: 2nd

Introduction to Optimum Design is intended for use in a first course on engineering design and optimization. Virtually any problem for which specific parameters need to be determined to satisfy constraints can be formulated as a design optimization problem. The concepts and methods described in the text are quite general and applicable to all such formulations. Inasmuch, the range of application of the optimum design methodology is almost limitless, constrained only by the imagination and ingenuity of the user.

Throughout the text, simple design problems involving two to three design variables and three to four constraints are solved in detail to illustrate fundamental concepts and basic ideas. The necessary results from optimization theory are stated and their implications are studied through application to engineering design problems. Theory and concepts of optimum design are explained only through examples and simple engineering applications. Several of the numerical procedures and concepts described in the text are useful in many other engineering courses and applications.

* Allows engineers involved in the design process to adapt optimum design concepts in their work using the material in the text.

* Basic concepts of optimality conditions and numerical methods are described with simple examples, making the material high teachable and learnable.

* Classroom-tested for many years to attain optimum pedagogical effectiveness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I feel that Dr. Arora presented significant amounts of material in a clear and straightforward manner. The book is definitely a reference that practitioners would like to have and depend upon, especially with the plethora of examples and applications. As an educator, Dr. Arora's book also has a tremendous number of problems at the end of the chapters and examples that I would try to use in class...the book is a solid introduction to optimization algorithms." - Georges Fadel, Associate Editor, Journal of Mechanical Design

"Arora's introduction of a much-anticipated second edition of Introduction to Optimum Design will not only satisfy established users of his well-received first edition, but moreover, significant updates, supplementary material, and fine-tuning of the pedagogical aspects of the presentation will certainly broaden its appeal.among some of the distinguishing characteristics of Arora's book are its adaptability to audiences with diverse backgrounds, as well as the extent to which it makes the topic clear and approachable...The book would also be excellent as a self-study reference for the practicing engineer.In summary, when considering the pedagogical refinements of the book, the expanded and updated software examples, as well as the extended survey of emerging computational methods, Arora's Introduction to Optimum Design, 2nd Ed., furthers its goal of
describing engineering design optimization in a rigorous yet simplified manner which is both highly accessible to and useful for a wide audience." - David F. Thompson, Graduate Program Director, University of Cincinnati

"I have used several optmization books over the past 10 years to support my various graduate optimization courses. Of all the books that I have used, I prefer Dr. Arora's Introduction to Optimum Design, 2nd Ed.The strength of this book lies in his attention to detail using numeric exercises to demonstrate the numerical processes used in the various optimization methods. I particularly like his choice of nomenclature throughout the book, as it conforms to the standard symbols and function names used in classical optimization literature. The application exercises presented cover a broad range in technologies, which makes it a good textbook for any engineering discipline." - Tom R. Mincer, California State University

"...this book is well written and covers just about every topic that one needs to know about the optimum design process. It includes a good balance of theory and application. The book will therefore be appealing to all users." - Practice Periodical On Structural Design and Construction - ASCE, Nov. 2005

Book Description

Engineering students and practitioners studying optimization and mechanical engineering design.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 728 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2nd edition (May 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0120641550
• ISBN-13: 978-0120641550
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must have book!, July 7, 2005

By 

Ashvin Mahajan "Ashvin Mahajan" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Optimum Design (Hardcover)

I really liked this book. The book stresses the fundamentals really well and explains ths evolution of current methods in an organized manner. The section on Lagrange multipliers and why they are needed is extremely useful in the understanding of method of feasible directions. All the concepts regarding search directions, contraints and gradient related issues are explained. Students will like the field of optimization once they read and study this book! There are lots of examples that help in understanding the concepts. I use the book all the time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, Plenty of Examples, October 30, 2011

By 

Chuck - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Optimum Design (Hardcover)

This book is written in a way that is understandable. It is very long, but that is mostly because it is packed with examples and problems to work through. The back of the book has selected answers as well (for about 1/5 of the problems maybe?). It is a good tool.

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, October 22, 2009

By 

Andy (Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Optimum Design (Hardcover)

Wonderfully clear. Explains conventions of problem set-up that others take for granted. Explains important features of theorems while remaining light on proofs. Full of examples, many of workaday nature. Gives short, useful, almost algorithmic approaches to problem solving. Since my prof likes to present mostly proofs in class, this book completes the picture with a more practical approach. I feel lucky to have found it.