What is design space exploration?
Definition
Design space exploration is the systematic evaluation of many design alternatives across the ranges of their design variables, such as geometry, materials and operating conditions. It shows which regions of the design space perform well, which variables matter most, and which concepts deserve detailed analysis. In engineering simulation it usually combines a design of experiments, simulation runs and surrogate models.
Example
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center combines design of experiments and surrogate models in launch vehicle concept studies, to explore the trade space more exhaustively than manual analysis allows. Only a shortlist of concepts then goes on to detailed design and full simulation.
Sources
- Zwack, Dees, Holt, "Application of Design of Experiments and Surrogate Modeling within the NASA Advanced Concepts Office, Earth-to-Orbit Design Process," AIAA SPACE 2016, ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160012092