Simulated annealing for selection of experimental regions in response surface methodology applications

In this paper we describe a methodology that includes the complementary use of simulated annealing and response surface methodology (RSM). The methodology was developed for analysis of simulations to help determine procedures for the employment of superheterodyne surveillance receivers. In this methodology, we use simulated annealing to determine near optimal solutions and to help select an initial search region from which to begin experimentation and analysis. By using this technique, we are able to take the results of an otherwise obscure function, over a limited range of the variable values, and develop a simplified, more understandable model which closely represents the actual system over the limited solution space.