Holistic strategies for designing multistage material processes

An algorithm is presented for using dynamic state-variable models of microstructure evolution formulated from first principles and empirical data in combination with fuzzy design rules and simplified analytical models of the effect that product shape has on achieving desirable final products. Through application of further mathematical analysis, fuzzy design rules that account for shape effects and numerical techniques, the following new capabilities have been added: explicit handling of-constraints; fuzzification of the influence of shape and the design; design of initial process conditions; design of processing time; and multi-stage dynamics. The paper includes an explanation of model formulation, design strategies, numerical algorithms, and a example application and results.