A Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Approach to Eco-Friendly Design Using the Response Surface Method

From a life-cycle perspective, the design stage is the key to controlling the environmental impacts of a product because at this stage, all the different parameters can be optimized to realize the required functions while ensuring that the product is environmentally friendly. Here, it is proposed that the optimization of an eco-design should be completed during the concept design stage to strike a balance between the environmental impacts and mechanical property requirements of the product. In this study, experimental data for these two parameters were first obtained via life-cycle assessments and von Mises stress analyses, respectively. Next, the response surface method was adopted to acquire the approximation functions. Finally, a genetic algorithm was employed for multi-objective optimization to realize the eco-design of the product. The proposed methodology was illustrated and evaluated by taking a liquid crystal display monitor design as an example. The results show that material thickness of the mirror is a key parameter that affects both objectives of the product. Although the mechanical properties of ABS are slightly worse than that of PS, it is the best choice for multi-objective optimization while considering the environmental impact at the same time.