Evaluating Three DOE Methodologies: Optimization of a Composite Laminate under Fabrication Error

This article aims at systematically comparing three different designs of experiments (DOE) methodologies used in the optimization of engineering structures. The selected methods are a response surface methodology, an adaptive one-factor-at-a-time search methodology, and a Bayesian DOE-based methodology. Six evaluative criteria are defined for the comparison. To perform the study, a simulation-based layout optimization of a four-layer composite laminate is used under a fiber misalignment fabrication error. It is found that each solution method satisfies a particular aspect of the six evaluative criteria and, thus, an application of a multiple criteria decision aid model is suggested to assist the analyst.