A Robust Interactive Desirability Function Approach for Multiple Response Optimization Considering Model Uncertainty

Abstract

To solve multiple response optimization problems that often involve incommensurate and conflicting responses, a robust interactive desirability function approach is proposed in this article. The proposed approach consists of a parameter initialization phase and calculation and decision-making phases. It considers a decision maker's preference information regarding tradeoffs among responses and the uncertainties associated with predicted response surface models. The proposed method is the first to consider model uncertainty using an interactive desirability function approach. It allows a decision maker to adjust any of the preference parameters, including the shape, bound, and target of a modified robust function with consideration of model uncertainty in a single and integrated framework. This property of the proposed method is illustrated using a tire tread compound problem, and the robustness of the adjustments for the approach is also considered. The new method is shown to be highly effective in generating a compromise solution that is faithful to the decision maker's preference structure and robust to uncertainties associated with model predictions.