This paper proposes a modified probabilistic procedure for deriving an ultimate strength and strain design model for a speed reducer. Reliability-Based Design Optimization (RBDO) techniques have been used. A prominent decoupled method for RBDO is presented in this paper. To test the proposed method, a mathematical RBDO formulation of a speed reduced was studied and solved. Considering the complex nature of the problem, some constraints were simplified. Two popular solution methods known as Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) and Interior Point (IP) were implemented and compared against each other to check for consistency and competitive advantages. This study can be further extended to other steel structures that require robustness in their design parameters to ensure safety and reliability

Full text: IJEIR_2397_FINAL.pdf