Introducing grid-based, semi-autonomous evolutionary design systems

The paper describes the initial development of the data modelling and search, exploration and optimisation processes (SEO) of a Grid-enabled problem solving environment (PSE). This environment will enable a client to access coupled computational components sited at different “centres of expertise”. Each centre offers a data generation and analysis approach that aids a better understanding of the design domain whilst providing a route to the identification of appropriate high-performance design solutions. The intention is to support satisfactory, remote problem definition that leads to the selection and application of appropriate design search, exploration and optimisation techniques. This should occur seamlessly so that the client is unaware that these processes are to be undertaken at different sites. The intention is that the system will support clients with extensive knowledge of their design domain but little expertise in state-of-the-art data modelling and SEO processes