Optimization Using Personal Computers: With Applications to Electrical Networks

This text for the advanced student illustrates the theory and application of optimization, a method of automatically adjusting design variables to improve a result. It stresses the application of the method towards the design of electrical circuits and networks, and explains the mathematical basis of optimization, points out the most successful techniques and develops the skills to read and digest the vast amount of literature written on optimization. Thirty-three BASIC computer programs in Microsoft R Basic that provide hands-on experience with the mathematics and computational procedures of optimization are presented, whilst in addition the book shows how to produce useful answers quickly, while developing a feel for fundamental concepts in matrix algebra, calculus and nonlinear programming. Confusing abstractions are avoided and reviews of the broad range of essential topics of matrix algebra by concrete examples and illustrations are also provided.