Cost and Weight Optimization of a Missile Using a Genetic Algorithm

NextGen Aeronautics and TeamVision Corporation propose developing a Cost Estimation Module in order to incorporate cost data at the design stage of a product development. The Cost Estimation Module which will have three main functionalities: 1) grouping the components of a system in the two major categories (parts made from machining process and commercially available parts), 2) Estimate the cost of milling parts based upon material, size, machining process, tolerance, surface finish, complexity of features, and tooling time, and setup time, and 3) Find the list of commercially available parts that conforms to the given specifications and present its cost, vendor list, weight, grade level, and volume. Therefore, Cost Estimation Module will be product specific because, it is impossible to conceive a list of universally applicable cost functions. For example, cost of the parts involved in building a missile would be very different from that of a refrigerator. However, the goal will be to develop a generic architecture, which can be easily adopted for different types of product with some extra investment. In Phase I and II efforts, we will focus primarily on the missile design. Further effort will be made to include the Cost Estimation Module with the ongoing structural design optimization. To this end, the Cost Estimation Module will provide the options available to the Optimization Module. Using a genetic algorithm-based search, Optimization Module will come up design alternatives that will be fed to the Analysis Module, which will find out the performance of the system. Optimization will simultaneously be performed on the performance (e.g. weight) and cost of the final product. The module developed during this work will have its functionalities exposed via Application Programming Interfaces so that it can be easily connected with other programs. We will exploit the parallel architecture of a genetic algorithm to distribute the tasks over a networked computer operating on different platforms. This will lead to making the modules platform-independent. To this end, we will use Python to develop cross-platform compatible modules.