Multivariate-Based Technique for Solving Multi-Response Surface Optimization (MRSO) Problems: The Case of a Maximization Problem

Abstract

Multi-response surface optimization (MRSO) is a problem that is peculiar to an industrial setting, where the aim of a process engineer is to set his process at operating conditions that simultaneously optimize a set of process responses. In Statistics, several methods have been proffered for tackling problems of this nature. Some of such methods are that of: overlapping contour plots, constrained optimization problem, loss function approach, process capability approach, distance function approach, game theory approach, and the desirability function approach. These, methods are however, not without teething flaws as they are either too problem specific, or require very complex and inflexible routines; little wonder, the method of desirability function has gained popularity especially because it overcomes the latter limitation. In this article, we have proposed and implemented a multivariate-based technique for solving MRSO problems. The technique fused the ideas of response surface methodology (RSM), multivariate multiple regression and Pareto optimality. In our technique, RSM was implemented on an all-maximization problem as a case-study process; in which case, first-order models (FOMs) for the responses were fitted using 2k factorial designs until the FOMs proved to be inadequate, while uniform precision rotatable central composite design was used to obtain second-order models (SOMs) for the respective responses in the event of model inadequacy of the FOMs. With the implementation of the proposed technique to the case study, optimal operating conditions were obtained, with observations stemming thereof summarized as axioms. The first, second and third axioms respectively stated that: (1) the mid-point of all optimal operating conditions obtained via the proposed technique is Pareto optimal, (2) the mid-point of all optimal responses at the Pareto optimal operating condition is Pareto optimal, and (3) the region bounded by each of the optimal operating conditions from each second-order model (SOM) is a Pareto front.