Applications of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Product Design, Development, and Process Optimization

In this review chapter, the authors presented a systematic exposition to the concept of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for applications by Scientists, Engineers, Technologists and Industries. (RSM) is an empirical model which employs the use of mathematical and statistical techniques in relating input variables otherwise known as factors to the response. RSM became very useful due to the fact that other methods available such as the theoretical model could be very cumbersome to use, time-consuming, inefficient, error prone and unreliable. In order to draw meaningful conclusions and findings, an experiment is required. In an effort to obtain an objective conclusion (between the factors and the response), an experimenter needs to plan and design the experiments, and analyze the results. An approximation of the response in relation to the variables is otherwise known as RSM. This chapter reviews RSM concept for easy understanding and adoption by researchers. In section 2.0, the various terminologies used in RSM were defined. In section 3.0, RSM design types were highlighted and RSM research phases exposed in section 4.0. Section 8.0 gave some scenario applications of RSM in various fields and section 9.0 defined the RSM research cycle process. General applications and conclusions stated.