Two decades of blackbox optimization applications

This article reviews blackbox optimization applications of direct search optimization methods over the past twenty years. Emphasis is placed on the Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (Mads) derivative-free optimization algorithm. The main focus is on applications in three specific fields: energy, materials science, and computational engineering design. Nevertheless, other applications in science and engineering, including patents, are also considered. The breadth of applications demonstrates the versatility of Mads and highlights the evolution of its accompanying software NOMAD as a standard tool for blackbox optimization.