Methods for interfacing analysis software to optimization software

Three methods are presented for interfacing analysis software to optimization software to create design software. These methods are referred to as the “conventional interface”, the “pro-gramming-free interface”, and the “generalized interface”. The latter two methods introduce new ideas which are attractive from the user's standpoint. The programming-free interface simplifies the interface process by eliminating the necessity for tlie user to modify the analysis source code. The generalized interface allows one to create a general-purpose design package from a general-purpose analysis package. Support for the methods has been implemented in a software package named OPTDES.BYU. Use of the methods with this package is illustrated with a simple example.