A multi-objective optimization approach for defining optimal design specifications considering performance degradation

Many performance characteristics of a product degrade with service time, resulting into performance deterioration. This often costs heavily to manufacturer through repair and replacement during warranty period of a product. This paper considers the performance degradation phenomenon and presents an approach to analyze multiple characteristics of a product against their acceptable performance limits. The aim is to understand performance degradation behavior and contemplate it to augment `ideal¿ settings of design variables to ensure trouble free performance during product¿s intended life. The operational procedure of the proposed design technique is demonstrated using leaf spring example.