An Adapted Derivative-Free Optimization Method for an Optimal Design Application with Mixed Binary and Continuous Variables

Numerous optimal design applications are black-box mixed integer nonlinear optimization problems: with objective function and constraints that are outputs of a black-box simulator involving mixed continuous and integer (discrete) variables. In this paper, we address an optimal design application for bladed disks of turbo-machines in aircraft. We discuss the formulation of an appropriate distance with respect to discrete variables which can deal with the cyclic symmetry property of the system under study. The necklace concept is introduced to characterize similar blade configurations and an adapted distance is proposed for discrete space exploration of a derivative-free optimization method. The results obtained with this method on a simplified industrial application are compared with results of state-of-the-art black-box optimization methods.