Interactive multiobjective reliability design of a standby system by the sequential proxy optimization technique (SPOT)

Abstract A new interactive multiobjective decision making technique for solving multiobjective optimization problems, which is called sequential proxy optimization technique (SPOT)has been proposed by the author. Using this technique, the preferred solution for the decision maker can be derived efficiently from among a Pareto optimal solution set by assessing his marginal rates of substitution and maximizing the local proxy preference functions sequentially. Based on the algorithm of SPOT, a time-sharing computer program has also been written to implement man-machine interactive procedures. In this paper, after summarizing the theoretical framework of SPOT, its application to reliability design of a standby system is considered. The multi-objective mathematical model for a standby system is formulated and the interaction processes to solve an illustrative example for a standby system composed of four subsystems are demonstrated together with the computer outputs.