Formulation of Multicriterion Design Optimization Problems for Solution With Scalar Numerical Optimization Methods

Most marine design problems involve multiple conflicting criteria, objectives, or goals. The most common definition of the multicriterion optimum is the Pareto optimum, which usually results in a set of solutions. Design teams, however, need to arrive at a single answer that provides an acceptable compromise solution within the Pareto set. Methods have been developed to solve multicriterion optimization problems using a number of related definitions of the compromise solution or "optimum" in the presence of multiple conflicting criteria. The most common of these definitions are reviewed and their solutions are formulated in a consistent form utilizing a preference function that will allow their solution using conventional scalar criterion numerical optimization methods. This approach permits the use and comparison of the various definitions of the multicriterion "optimum" with modest additional computation. The design team can use these results to guide its selection of the solution that best reflects their design intent in a particular case. A sixparameter, three-criterion, 14-to 16-constraint conceptual marine design optimization example adapted from the literature is presented to illustrate the use of this approach. The results for the various definitions of the multicriterion optimum for Panamax and post-Panamax bulk carriers are presented for comparison.