Experimental design and mixed systems optimization controlled by quantitative and qualitative variables

Abstract

This study has the aim to propose an alternative methodology for system optimization and an experimental design where the qualitative and quantitative variables were combined. Three central composite (rotational) designs were combined to produce a model with these two different kinds of variables. A 2^² factorial design was also suggested as a central point to study one qualitative and two quantitative factors. The models were optimized using the otplex software, previously validated through a high complexity level function. The results either to the designs or to the optimization, confirm that the technique is a promising tool in the mixed system analysis controlled by qualitative and quantitative factors.