Abstract
The problem of selecting optimal machining conditions, where the formulation involves the use of empirical relations, is considered. Since both randomness and fuzziness are associated with empirical relations, a coupled uncertainty model is proposed for manipulating these uncertainties. Equations are derived to establish the interrelation between the two types of uncertainties present in the objective functions and constraints of the optimization process. This permits a systematic handling of fuzziness in terms of randomness that is usually associated with experiments. The computational aspects of the approach are illustrated by two numerical examples dealing with the optimization of machining processes. [S1087-1357(00)70501-6]
