Design variables

Design variables table

Design variable table contains set of random variables already defined in a project. User can add new design variable by pressing "Add" button. If Add is pressed, design variable definition dialog (described below) appears on the screen. If an user doubleclick on a variable in variables table design variable dialog is displayed in modification mode. It allows for update definition for given variable. User can also delete selected variables or duplicate it. It is very useful when several variables have to be defined with similar parameters.

"Design variables table"

Design variable definition dialog

Design variable definition dialog is presented below. To define random variables user have to do as follows:

  • Type unique name
  • Select type of random variable:
    • Continuous
    • Discrete
    • Random
  • Set parameters for choosen type.
  • Press "Add" or "Update" button to stroe data or close to reject changes.
If user type unacceptable value in any fields background of a fielt become red and button "Add"/"Update" is disabled. It prevents incorrect definition of a variable.

Continuous design variable

To create continuous random variable user clicks "continuous" radio button and enters bounds if applicable.

"Random variables table"

Discrete design variable

In the case of discrete random variable catalog of values have to be entered (as depicted below).

"Random variables table"

Random design variable

Random design variable is special type of design variable used in Robust Optimization. The design variable is coupled with random variable. Coupled in such a way that the design variable value is also mean value of random variable. That's why random type is enabled only if at least one random variable is defined. "Fixed c.o.v. ( coefficent of variation ) means that the standard deviation of doupled random variable changes and is allways equal this coefficient times mean value."

"Random variables table"

Design variables in main tree

Design variables are also represented by items in main tree to open design variables list user can click on "Design variables" item in the tree (in the picture below). Other way to open tis list is to click icon "Design variables icon" in the toolbar or in main menu Manage/Design variables.

"Random variables table"