Computational methods in engineering design and optimization: editorial article

Across all fields of engineering sciences, many design problems are now tackled using computational techniques that aim at optimizing system performance. The evolution of complex systems has progressed along with the development of computational methods that can treat more and more complex design and simulation problems. All engineering areas, from power generation and distribution, to structural mechanics and materials, from optimal control to aerodynamics, have benefited from the development of increasingly sophisticated computational techniques. Today, the improvement in computer performance allows numerical simulation to replace a big portion of experimental tests, and numerical optimisation to handle complex, multidisciplinary design problems.