Optimization of a representative wing component using a Genetic Algorithm

This thesis aims to study the design and optimization of composite wing components for aircraft, focusing on the pivotal goal of reducing weight while preserving and enhancing structural performance. This is one of the goals of the COST Action joined in the span of the thesis: CA18203 - Optimising Design for Inspection (ODIN). Within this COST...

Optimization of the Location and Capacity of Shared Multimodal Mobility Hubs to Maximize Social Welfare

Nowadays, urban areas are exposed to various challenges such as climate change, social inequalities, and congestion. Mobility hubs present the opportunity to reshape our cities and mitigate the previously mentioned problems by contributing to a more sustainable and equitable transport system. This thesis defines mobility hubs as places where...

Network restructuring as a way to mitigate project delays: A multicriteria and optimization approach for network restructuring as a strategy to mitigate project delays in large infrastructure projects; an alternative perspective on the Mitigation Controller

Purpose - This development project is focused on the combination of project scheduling and risk mitigation for large infrastructure projects. The aim of this project is to develop a model that can automatically restructure the network schedule to enable that delay is mitigated as much as possible while the effects on multiple project criteria...

Generating building envelopes using multi-objective optimization techniques

This thesis concerns the application of different multi-objective optimization (MOO) methods and strategies for finding the optimal envelope for a given building plot and lighting performance indicators. More specifically, the PV potential and daylighting potential of the building are maximized using different optimization solvers. Auxilliary...

A Genetic Algorithm approach to a Workforce Planning problem: Applied to Erasmus MC

This thesis aimed to aid ErasmusMC in the workforce planning process of deciding how to implement training among the nursing personnel in order to build a more flexible workforce, so the hospital can be prepared for fluctuating and unexpected demand, while minimizing the costs of doing so.<br/><br/>To accomplish this, a mathematical model was...

Spatial configurations and learning rules impact on the evolution of cooperative behaviour in the n-person iterative prisoner’s dilemma

Decision-making dynamics and their impact of human behaviour have raised a large number of questions throughout the years. Traits like competition and collaboration amongst agents are often studied, in the context of Game Theory, by the medium of games such as the Iterative Prisoners’ Dilemma.Furthermore, many realistic scenarios and possible...

Genetic algorithm-based optimisation of entanglement distribution to minimise hardware cost

Distribution of high-quality entanglement over long distances is a key step for the development of a future quantum internet. Exponential photon loss related to distance in optical fibres makes it impractical to connect two nodes directly. Furthermore, the impossibility of copying general quantum states forbids using the same solutions as in...

Thermal Management of a Data Center White Space: A numerical study using computational fluid dynamics, flow & temperature predictions using neural networks, and white space design optimization using a genetic algorithm.

The total electrical energy consumption by all the operational data centers (located all over the world) is enormous (approx. 1% of the global electricity demand 20000TWh). This electrical energy is required 24x7 to operate and cool all the IT equipment present in the data center. The electrical energy required to cool all...

Structural Design Exploration of High-rise Design Concepts Using Genetic Algorithms

The adoption of optimization algorithms has been slower in conceptual design compared to the later design phases. The choices made during the conceptual design phase have a large impact on the performance of the result. This research aims to find out why it is so hard to use optimization in conceptual design. Then a method is proposed to solve...

Layout Optimization Methods for Offshore Wind Farms Using Gaussian Processes

Surrogate modeling is a family of engineering techniques that attracts great interest today and can be applied in many challenging fields. A big advantage of it is that surrogate models (models based on these techniques) offer reliable results by being computationally cheaper than other candidate models. The savings in computational time is...

Stopping pattern and frequency optimization for multiple transport services

In my thesis, I have done research into the optimization of stopping patterns and frequencies of public transport services within a network. I have developed a model that takes both passenger and operator costs into account. The model has been run for a small fictional network and for the metro and train network of Amsterdam, to explore how the...

Optimal Configuration of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Islands' Energy Transition

The world’s greenhouse gas emissions have steadily increased as a result of the continued use of fossil fuels, causing climate change. Nevertheless, sustainable energy technologies implementation has increased steadily in the last decade as society attempts to transition to a sustainable, zero emission energy system. The consequences of climate...

Optimizing the Structural Lifetime of Monopile-based Offshore Wind Turbines with Genetic Algorithms: Is it worth planning for Lifetime Extension?

Optimization of structures in a domain with large uncertainties is rather difficult. This also applies for the offshore wind energy sector. For current offshore wind energy development locations with monopile-based support structures the fatigue limit state is the driving design criteria. These analyses are connected with long time domain...