Statistically Distinct Plans for Multi-Objective Task Assignment

We study the problem of finding statistically distinct plans for stochastic task assignment problems such as online multi-robot pickup and delivery (MRPD) when facing multiple competing objectives. In many real-world settings robot fleets do not only need to fulfil delivery requests, but also have to consider auxiliary objectives such as...

Optimization Strategies for System Architecting Problems

System architecting is one of the first stages of the engineering problem-solving process. Pivotal decisions regarding the system's overall configuration are taken in this phase. Consequently, decision support tools like system architecture optimization are needed to effectively assess the architectural design space. However, system architecture...

Exploring distributive justice in water resource allocation: A rival framings approach on the operationalization of equality in multi-objective optimization models for water systems

Water, an essential resource for diverse purposes like environmental protection, urban water supply, energy generation, and agriculture, faces intensifying demand amid depleting supplies. Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO)-models are vital for addressing complex water system challenges with limited resources. However, varying approaches to...

Space Plane Trajectory Optimization: Investigation of a Launch Window Extension by Lateral Motion

Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) launch vehicles are capable of reaching orbit while being potentially fully reusable. A technology capable of enabling SSTO access to space is the air-breathing engine, which has a high specific impulse and low thrust-over-weight (T/W) ratio compared to conventional rocket engines. This necessitates the use of a...

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...

Optimal Trajectories in the Earth-Moon CR3BP system

The aim of this investigation is to improve the first stage of mission analysis on trajectories in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP). This will be achieved by developing a versatile tool that can optimize any transfer in the CR3BP in terms of ΔV and time of flight. Hence, the output will not be<br/>a single solution, but a...

Topology Optimization of Launcher Structures under Multiple Critical Load Cases

The launch vehicle industry is undergoing a major shift as new commercial organizations are staking claim to large market shares with bold technologies. To stay competitive in this new era, launch vehicle companies must develop new technologies to reduce launch costs while serving the growing demand for space accessibility. A possible solution...

Multi-Objective Optimization of the Punchiná reservoir in Colombia

Punchiná reservoir is part of the San Carlos Hydroelectric Power Plant, situated in the Guatapé watershed. The Guatapé river is an affluent of the Samaná Norte river, which in turn is an affluent of the Magdalena river. San Carlos Hydroelectric Project uses the waters from the rivers San Carlos and Guatapé and discharges the turbined flow...

Soft-skill Profile Based Group Formation System

OKademy is a start-up that wants to improve the healthcare in the Netherlands by improving the process by which graduated medical students are being matched to a hospital team. This is needed since there is a lack of surgery<br/>assistants, while graduate students need to wait on average six months to start their work in a hospital. To match...

Pareto Set Extrapolation method: an efficient solving technique for multi-objective optimization problems

When considering techniques for producing the Pareto front of a <i>Multi-Objective Optimization Problem</i> (MOOP), there exists a trade-off between the effectiveness of the method in obtaining the Pareto front and the computational cost required to achieve that. For a method to be effective, the generated solutions must result in a true...