Other Resources

• Contour plot examples.
• A list of optimizers in Matlab, Python, and Julia.

Further Reading

This is not a comprehensive review of optimization textbooks, just resources that I have read that I recommend for the interested reader.

• General: Optimization Concepts and Applications in Engineering by Ashok D. Belegundu and Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla. This is a good first textbook for engineering optimization. It covers a relatively broad variety of topics in an introductory way.
• Gradient-based Optimization: Numerical Optimization by Jorge Nocedal and Stephen Wright. This is a great book for those wanting more depth on gradient-based methods. It is more advanced in some areas, but the explanations are clear and lot of the added detail is quite helpful. A PDF version of the text is available for those on campus through BYU’s subscription to Springer.
• Convex Optimization: Convex Optimization by Stephen Boyd and Lieven Vandenberghe. The website also contains lecture notes and links to a corresponding MOOC. This is the same group that develops CVX.
• Surrogate-based Optimization: Engineering Design via Surrogate Modelling: A Practical Guide by Alexander Forrester and Andras Sobester. This resource provides much more detail than we will be able to cover in class. A PDF version of the text is available for on campus students through BYU’s subscription to Wiley.
• Gradient-free Optimization: Evolutionary Optimization Algorithms by Dan Simon. This contains a much broader coverage of gradient-free methods as compared to most texts.

Past Projects

Winter 2020

• Repeating Crossbow Optimization by David Asay and Brian Carlson.
• Determination of Optimal Support Locations to Maximize Fundamental Frequency of Printed Circuit Boards by Samuel Avila, Greg Vernon, and Christopher Whetten
• Optimization of Biased Thickness Utilizing Deployable Hard Stops for Stiffening A Deployable Reflect array by David Andrews, Nathan Brown, and Collin Ynchausti
• Estimating Upper Limb Parameters for Modeling Essential Tremor using Optimization Techniques by Ian Syndergaard, Spencer Baker, and Scott Tew Ian Syndergaard
• Dynamic Real-time Optimization for a Fluidized Bed Roaster using LSTM Network-based Surrogate Model by Junho Park, Conner Barton, and Jack Colton
• Lacrosse Stick Ergonomics Optimization For Offensive Performance by Devin Needs and Trent Bates
• Dynamic Real-time Optimization for a Fluidized Bed Roaster using LSTM Network-based Surrogate Model by Junho Park, Conner Barton, and Jack Colton
• Multi-Objective Diet Optimization by Trent Colton, Kyle Hakes, Trent Owens.
• Benchmark of Optimizers for Optimal Dispatch of Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems by Daniel Hill, Nicholas Cooper, and Qinyu Zhu.
• Steady aerodynamic and aeroacoustic optimization of an eVTOL rotor by Tyler Critchfield. -Optimization of Turbine Tilt in a Wind Farm by James J. Cutler, and D. John Prymak Jr.
• Student diet optimization by Wesley Holt, Bradley Davis
• Sensor Position and Geometry to Maximize Bioimpedance Signal in Radial Artery by Diego Leon, Dillon Despain, and Daniel Smith.
• Optimal Trajectory Generation for Exploration of Three Dimensional Spaces by Brendon Forsgren, Seth Nielsen, and Thane Downing.
• Nonlinear Evolutionary Model Predictive Control on a Fixed-Wing and Multirotor by Jaron Ellingson and Mathew Haskell.
• Optimization of Pin Carry for 10-Pin Bowling by Sperry, Ryan; Josephson, Chad; Johnson, Carlin
• Task Based Optimization of Robotic Manipulators by Curtis Johnson
• Multiobjective Time and Control Effort Optimization of the Takeoff and Transition of a Bi-wing Tailsitter by Ryan Anderson, Jacob Willis, and Jacob Johnson
• Optimizing the Approach to the Extreme Retrieval Mission for BYU Mars Rover by Riley Johnson, Chung Shan Liao, and Derek Vasquez.
• Optimization of Artificial Spinal Endplate Properties by Danni Porter and Paul McMullin.
• Novel Keyboard Layout Optimization by Michael C. Mortenson, and Cassandra S. Sweeten.
• Optimization of Hobby Aircraft Configuration by Andrew Orme, and Alexander Newell.
• Modeling Cloth Behavior Using Penalty Optimization by Jesse D. Olson and Jonathan A. Peterson.
• Comparing Gradient-based and Gradient-free Methods to Optimize IsoTruss Structures subject to Uniaxial Compression by Hanna Opdahl.
• Efficiently Exploring the Machine Learning Pipeline Design Space by Evan Peterson.
• Optimized Robotic Path Planning with Obstacles by Seth Freeman, Austin Vaterlaus, and Clayton Young.

Winter 2017

• A Fitting Optimization by Alex Avila, Jason Allen, and Alex Whittier
• Optimization of Yoke Topology for Specific Natural Frequencies by Barham and Pierce
• Combined Interior Point and Active Set Solver for Nonlinear Programming by Logan Beal, Chris Russell, and Alan Dayton.
• Optimization of Existing Product for Social Impact by Phillip Stevenson and Justin Beard.
• Optimization of Electromechanical Properties of Piezoelectric Nanocomposite Elastomers by Evan Bird and David Wood
• Optimization Methods to Maximize Deployment of a Monostable Kresling Origami Pattern by Jared Butler, Janette Fernelius, and Brandon Sargent.
• BYU Mars Rover Robotic Arm Optimization Project by Benjamin Hilton, Jacob Greenwood, and Angus Cameron.
• Here Comes Trebuchet - Optimizing the Counterweight Trebuchet for Maximum Range by Thomas Corie, Jared Park, and David Standring.
• The Design of a Pneumatically Actuated Leg for a Quadruped Robot Using an Evolutionary Algorithm by Vallan Sherrod and Nathan Day.
• Optimization of Destinations and Paths for Quadcopter Delivery of Amazon Parcels by Humberto Detrinidad and Takami Kowalski
• Robust Wind Farm Optimization Using Monte Carlo Methods by Bertelsen Gagakuma and Kyle Larsen
• Aerodynamic Design Optimization of a Locomotive Frontal Fairing by Chad Stucki, Christian Kurniawan, and Landon Hansen
• Real-Time Evolutionary Model Predictive Control Using a Graphics Processing Unit by Phillip Hyatt
• Gradient-based and Gradient-free Optimization of a Naive Bus Route by Ariana Pedersen, Alex La, and Devin Shumway
• Optimization of a Vertebral Clamp by Allison Lee and Aubrie Taylor.
• Optimization of Joint Angles for Co-Manipulation of Rigid Objects with Baxter Research Robot by Erich A. Mielke, Aaron D. Terry, Jonathan S. Terry
• The Barreto’s Mars Tessellation as a Variable Radiative Heat Transfer Device by Rydge Mulford, Derric Syme
• Unmanned aerial vehicle bank angle optimization report by Jenna Newcomb.
• Design of Origami-Based Mechanisms in Monolithic Thick-Sheet Materials using an Optimization Approach by Nathan Pehrson, and Joseph Stack.
• Increasing Profit with Amazon Advertising by Mark Peterson and Jordan McGregor.
• Optimization of a Steel Bridge by Ashley Sadler, Jonathan Sadler, and Zachary Sadler
• Optimization of an IsoBeam for an Aircraft Floor Structure by Jacob Thomas and David Willoughby
• Developing A Functional Roller Coaster Optimizer by Josh Tsai and Ernest Lee

Winter 2016

• Topology Optimization of Cantilever Beam by Jonathan Erickson and Quentin Allen.
  • Includes source code at same link.
• Multi-dimensional Optimization of Gasoline-fueled Variable Pitch Multirotor Aircraft by Dallin Briggs and Gary Ellingson.
• Texture Optimization in the Microstructure of Mg AZ31 Alloy to Encourage Twin Formation by Isaac Chelladurai and R. Ivan Yorgason.
• Optimization of Graded Multi-Material Composite Flywheel by Erica B. Crampton, Cory N. Newton, and Parker G. Rosquist.
• [Optimization of Impedance Parameters to Establish Fundamental Principles of Tremor Propagation] by Andrew D. Davidson and C. Paul Curtis.
• Optimization of International Food Distribution by Trent Zimmerman, Bryce DeFigueredo, and Peter Schleede.
  • Source Code
• Balanced Steady-State Free Precession Signal Fitting Optimization by Merry Taylor.
• Optimization of a Deflection-based Rappel Device by Fred Fagergren and Keenan Eves.
• Optimization of a Stepped Converging-Diverging Nozzle by Tate Fanning and Matthew Searle.
• Carbon Fiber Beam Optimization by Jordan Freeman and Derek Sacks.
• Optimization of High Endurance Single Wing UAV by James Usevitch, David Usevitch, and Daniel Fry.
• Dynamic Parameter Estimation on 5 DoF Inflatable Soft Robot Platform by Morgan Gillespie and Eric Townsend.
• Inertial Measurement Unit Calibration Using a Motion Capture System and Gradient-Free Optimization Techniques by Andy Hibbard and Searle Vincent.
• Mixed Wind Farm Optimization by Dustan P. Kraus, Yuri S. C. L. Neves, and Andrew P. J. Stanley.
• Optimization of a FanDuel Salary Cap League Fantasy Football Team by Matt Smith, Jake Lessie, and Mitch Blanc.
• Sensitivity Analysis of Isogeometric Analysis of a Frame Made of Timoshenko Beam by Kyle Richardson and Tari Machanzi.
• StarCraft Army Composition and Build Order Optimization by Teagan KJ Nakamoto and Tyler Mathis.
• Coupled Design Optimization of Chevron Combat Wing and Propeller by Hans Ottosson and Kevin Moore.
  • Includes source code at same link.
• The Application of Optimization Techniques to Explore Free Throw Performance by Jonathan Mortensen and Jason Porter.
• Tornado Observation: An application of UAV flight path planning by Ryan Packer and Trent Okeson.
• Burn and coast method timing optimization for BYU Supermileage vehicle by Alexander Ostergaard, Bradley Wood and Justin Taylor.
• Optimization of a Prosthetic Foot Designed by 2ft Prosthetics by Steven Quinn, Chris Quinn, and Nicholas Whipple.
• Optimizing for strain along a Fiber Bragg Grating sensor (FBG) by LeGrand Shumway.
• An Optimization of the Structural Performance of Tubular Origami Deployable Mechanisms by Alden Yellowhorse and Kyler Tolman.

Winter 2015

• System Evolvability Applied to Products Designed for the Developing World by Jeffrey D. Allen and Kendall Thacker.
• Optimization of Penicillin V Production Using a Continuous Reactor by Derek B. Bush and Dila Banjade.
• Free-Form Aerostructural Optimization for Wind Turbines with High Tip Speeds by Ryan Barrett and Ian Freeman.
• Minimization of Energy Loss in Small Caliber Ammunition Using Optimization Algorithm Techniques by Kari Beardsley, Dan Carpenter, and David Grimm.
• Optimization of an Indefinite Solar Unmanned Aerial Flight (UAV) using Non-Gradient Methods by Alan F. Jimenez, Bryce W. Wong, and Jacob S. Beers.
• Optimization of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Farm Layout by Nicolas Bons.
• Deployable Generalized Cylindrical Surfaces With Convex Directrices Through Tailoring Stiffness by Todd G. Nelson and Jared T. Bruton.
• Optimization of Distribution Centers for Amazon Prime Air Service by Nolan Crook, Dustin James Harper, and Matthew Wald.
• Receding Horizon UAV Path Planning Via Gradient-Based Optimization of Ferguson Splines by Kyle Ingersoll, Patrick DeFranco, and Bryce Ingersoll.
• An Automated Method for Fitting Variograms from Finite Element Displacement Data in the Hot-To-Cold Process by Brandon Doolin.
• Optimization of Turbine Geometry for Pulsing Flow Conditions by Mark Fernelius.
• Optimizing Rate of Penetration Using Weight and Torque Controllers by Casey Hubbell.
• Multi-dimensional Optimization of Quadrotor Inversion by James Jackson, Nathan Usevitch, and Caleb Lystrup.
• Optimization of a Salary Cap League Fantasy Baseball Team by Cameron Jones and Scott Jackson,
• Optimization of a Reentry Vehicle Designed for Splashdown by Alexander R. Jafek and Zachary Smith.
• Optimized Schedule Simulator for Students by Samuel McDonald and Dallin Swiss.
• Optimized Pneumatic Marshmallow Launcher by Justin Millerberg and Paul Wilding.
• Optimal Control of Inflatable Robotic Joints by Joshua P. Wilson and Andrew T. Pack.
• Optimizing Wind Turbine Power and Noise by Jared Thomas and Eric Tingey.
• Optimization Based Path Planning in Dynamic Environments by Matthew Duffield.