Requirements and Optimization Unit 3 Lesson 2

Optimize To exploit fully To position an economic entity such that it functions as well as possible given constraints that it might be subject to. To make something function at its best or most effective, or use something to its best advantage. To make as perfect or effective as possible. To make the most or best of (a particular situation or opportunity, etc.

Requirements Are the parameters placed on the development of a product or system. Requirements include safety needs, the physical laws that will limit the development of an idea, the available resources, and the cultural norms.

Criteria and Constraints Criteria identify the desired elements and features of a product or system. Constraints involve limitations on a design.

Requirements Vs Conflicts Because requirements can compete with one another, accommodating one often results in conflicts with others. Because of these conflicts, perfect designs simply do not exist.

Efficiency Efficiency specifies how well the given product or system performs and how close that performance is to the ideal or optimal performance.

Optimization Optimization is a process used to make a design as effective or functional as possible within the given criteria and constraints. Optimization can ensure that a product or system is as efficient as possible. To systematically seek an optimum design solution, designers use experience, education, established design principles, creative intuition, imagination, and culturally specific requirements.

models used to test ideas and to make changes to a design. There are several types of models used to test and refine designs including: physical models mathematical models computer models.

Computer Model A computer simulation or a computer model is a computer program that attempts to simulate a physical model of a particular system. Computer simulations have become a useful part of the process of technological design.

computer simulation program Students will use a computer simulation program to Optimize the design of a truss bridge that will carry a two-lane highway across a river valley. Video Tutorial The following tutorial may be useful: http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/tutorial.htm.