Enabling exploration in the conceptual design and optimisation of complex systems

In this paper, a design support framework for handling complexity associated with design exploration is presented. Two enabling methods are proposed. The first is a novel algorithm for dependency analysis of computational workflows. It provides a means for guiding the designer in adequately reversing the inputs and outputs of models and workflows, depending on the particular formulation(s) of the design studies to be conducted. Ultimately, the algorithm is intended to enable the (re) configuration of workflows while guaranteeing solvability. A method for supporting the investigation of what-if studies is also proposed. It is based on a generalisation of the isocontour method aimed at analysing the effects of different definitions of the design variable bounds on the topology of the feasible design space. The methodology is demonstrated by an industrially relevant test case concerning aircraft early conceptual design. The example demonstrates how different options for adequately reformulating optimisation studies are proposed to the designer for further exploration of design alternatives that guarantee the satisfaction of the entire set of constraints.