Class 11

Finding the optimum solution to a problem

After today’s lecture, and after working the homework problems, the student should be able

To be able to optimize a typical engineering design problem, such as an isolated spread footing for which the cost changes with depth, using EES or Excel.
To be able to download the computer program MOR and use it to solve linear programming problems .
To use graphical solution methods to solve LP problems
Recognize why integer solutions are more difficult to obtain than normal LP solutions.
NOTE: These problems will have to be solved using MOR or perhaps Excel. Engineering Equation Solver cannot be used since these are not equations.

Use of EES and Excel in solving footing problem.
Use of EES and Excel in optimization.
The difference between engineering equations and linear programming constraints
Why engineering equations have a single and unique answer
Why linear programming problems have multiple answers, but possibly only one “best” answer
Why engineering equations require N equations to solve for N unknowns
Why linear programming problems can have N unknowns even though they have N+234, or N-15, constraints
Graphical solutions for two-dimensional LP problems
Why realistically, only two-dimensional problems can be solved graphically