Multi Objective Vehicle Suspension Optimization Problem

Hi,

I have been researching and working with python and Solidworks to create a genetic algorithm that finds the Pareto front for many-objective functions (probably at least 8) for vehicle suspension design. These objective functions depend on the physical geometries of the suspension thus, some sort of 3D modeling is necessary. I was completing the major parts of my algorithm until I realized that solving the objective functions in Solidworks would be infeasibly slow. I'm looking at Matlab, Simulink, and simscape multibody for developing an iterative design algorithm. I have seen suspensions modeled in simscape and I know genetic algorithms are present too. The problem is I am uncertain how I am going to integrate all the components (Genetic Algorithm, Pareto Fronts, Parallel Coordinate Graphs, 3D model objective functions, and suspension modeling) together in one complete algorithm in Matlab. Any suggestions on general algorithm designs would be extremely helpful. Also, any notes and tips on possible obstacles or limitations of MathWorks would be appreciated.

I have attached a picture of my original algorithm idea.

[John D'Errico]

You are looking at a large problem, and getting overwhelmed.

The way to eat a programming elephant to do so one byte at a time.

Break this down into small problems. Solve them one at a time.

[Matthew Nann]

I was able to breakdown into all the small major components with solidworks and python but with matlab simscape i am no longer in my realm therefore I need to figure out the limitations of software quickly. I'm on a collegiate design team therefore the deadline is fair soon.These are my main questions, I understand what I am trying to achieve and how to achieve it with python and solidworks, but I do not know Mathworks particularly simulink and simscape as a software enough to answer these. Thank you for you help!

1. How many continous objective functions matlab can handle?
2. Can I have activately change variables that change the physical geometries in simscape multibody?
3. Can I solve my simscape block diagram in the background to save on runtime? aka have no visuals of the 3D suspension design present while the program is running
4. How well does matlab genetic algorithms work with real value encoded genotypes?
5. Is matlab simscape generally more stable than solidworks since this algorithm is going to run continsoulsy for hundreds of genetic generations?

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

Hi Matthew,

There are a lot of questions in your post. One good example to look at is this one:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/62371-four-bar-linkage-optimization-in-simscape

It shows how to tune Simscape Multibody geometry using optimization algorithms to minimize a custom objective function that is composed of two separate calculations. While it is not nearly as complex as the sketch you included in your post, it has a lot of the basics and (referencing John's comment) covers a few "bites of the elephant".

--Steve