OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES USED IN ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING ? A TECHNICAL REVIEW

Optimization is a technique to finding the maximum and minimum value. Optimization is the mathematical discipline which is concerned with finding the maxima and minima of functions, possibly subject to constraints. Optimization is the act of achieving the best possible result under given circumstances. In design, construction, maintenance, engineers have to take decisions. The goal of all such decisions is either to minimize effort or to maximize bene�t. The effort or the bene�t can be usually expressed as a function of certain design variables. Hence, optimization is the process of �nding the conditions that give the maximum or the minimum value of a function. It is obvious that if a point corresponds to the minimum value of a function f(x), the same point corresponds to the maximum value of the function -f(x). Thus, optimization can be taken to be minimization. There is no single method available for solving all optimization problems efficiently. Hence, a number of methods have been developed for solving different types of problems.