Robust target functions in electromagnetic design

Uncertainties in the design variables of non-linear engineering optimization problems are often neglected. That could result in considerable deterioration of the target function value of an implemented design compared with the computed optimal solution. This effect can be reduced with robust optimization, where it is tried to achieve robust designs by actively embedding the uncertainties and robustness measures in the optimization process. A methodology for robust optimization of non-linear problems is presented, including practical methods for the solution of such programs. The benefits of the approach are discussed in a numerical field calculation example.