Complex layout optimization problem: layout scheme design of spacecraft module

The complex layout optimization problems with behavioral constraints occur across the full spectrum of engineering and are of great significance and urgency for many fields, such as the scheme design of spacecraft module, ship, vehicle, robot, engineering machine, etc.. These kinds of problems belong to the packing problem and NPC problem in math, and scheme design problem and complex engineering system problem in engineering, and the research on them are far from enough. The complex layout problem is composed of two types in terms of practicality in engineering, one is the problem that can be abstracted to mathematical model (including the mathematical model for Genetic Algorithm), and the other is the problem that can not (or is difficult to) be abstracted to mathematical model. The main problems existing here are, a) difficult in modeling and solving in math; b) complexities in practicing in engineering. This paper introduces the authors′ researches in the recent two decades on solution strategies, modeling, algorithm which have been adopted in the solution of the layout optimization of spacecraft modules, and discusses the unsolved problems. The man computer cooperation to make full use of both man and computer is a promising approach to the complex layout scheme design in engineering in terms of practicality.