A multicriterion optimization algorithm involving a mix of discrete, integer and real continuous design variables is developed. This algorithm involves a min-max variant of the modified global criterion approach in conjunction with a modified branch and bound method. The use of a weighting strategy with this proposed algorithm allows the generation of a set of Pareto optimal (noninferior) solutions for both convex and nonconvex problems.; There are two special features in this development. First, the proposed modification of the branch-and-bound approach is based on a piecewise linear approximation to solve the nonlinear single objective function optimization problem with mixed design variables. Second, the proposed modified global criterion method is based on an equivalent scalar optimization. Also, the global criterion approach is critically dependent on obtaining an ideal solution, which, for mixed design variables is shown to be a solution of the continuous optimization problem.; The methodology developed in this research is applied to a class of engineering design problems. The specific area of interest is the design of laminated composite structures for enhanced structural damping. Such designs must also conform to requirements of minimum structural weight and dynamic displacements in a dynamic loading environment. The structural damping characteristics can be improved by both internal material damping and by the addition of viscoelastic layers to the base structure.
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