Hybrid modeling for the interdisciplinary design of more affordable systems

This paper will address current results and future requirements for system modeling and simulation with an emphasis on enhancing physics-based shop floor models while developing a common data model to support the integration of shape, material, process and performance characteristics. A method of "interdigitation", which tightly couples an engineers' domain specific knowledge with domain independent search techniques such as numerical optimization, genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, leverages the strengths of each technique to provide a more holistic approach to system design. Development of systems for the US Department of Defense is particularly considered.