Applying response surface methodology in the design and optimization of electromagnetic devices

In this paper, we present a design and optimization procedure which utilizes a case-based approach to design and a response surface methodology, implementing a fractional factorial approach, to determine the empirical models relating the performance of the device and the design parameters. With these models constructed, a genetic algorithm can be used to solve the resulting constrained nonlinear optimization problem quickly to get the optimal device. The main contribution of the paper lies in the effective combination of these three methods. A C-core actuator is used as an example.