Optimization of Triple Response Systems by Using the Dual Response Approach and the Hooke-Jeeves Search Method

This paper presents an extended computing procedure for the global optimization of the triple response system (TRS) where the response functions are nonconvex (nonconcave) quadratics and the input factors satisfy a radial region of interest. The TRS arising from response surface modeling can be approximated using a nonlinear mathematical program involving one primary (objective) function and two secondary (constraints) functions. An optimization algorithm named triple response surface algorithm (TRSALG) is proposed to determine the global optimum for the nondegenerate TRS. In TRSALG, the Lagrange multipliers of target (secondary) functions are computed by using the Hooke-Jeeves search method, and the Lagrange multiplier of the radial constraint is located by using the trust region (TR) method at the same time. To ensure global optimality that can be attained by TRSALG, included is the means for detecting the degenerate case. In the field of numerical optimization, as the family of TR approach always exhibits excellent mathematical properties during optimization steps, thus the proposed algorithm can guarantee the global optimal solution where the optimality conditions are satisfied for the nondegenerate TRS. The computing procedure is illustrated in terms of examples found in the quality literature where the comparison results with a gradient-based method are used to calibrate TRSALG.