Design Structure Matrix Approach Applied to Lunar Habitat Design

Abstract

Lunar habitat design is a complex endeavor characterized by complicated task-composition, numerous internal iterations, and intense task-coupling. The design process of assembled building in terrestrial construction and the system composition of lunar habitats have been constructed. However, there is insufficient experience to fully understand lunar habitat design missions and likewise there is insufficient coordination between architects and various disciplines. The task flow for sequencing optimization can be determined using a design structure matrix (DSM), which is widely used in engineering. The DSM can reveal necessary interfaces within the lunar habitat system as per relevant interface variables and processes. By decomposing the lunar habitat design process, an initial activity-based DSM is established in the present study. Informational interactions between each design task and its respective intensity are statistically investigated to clarify them across the four dimensions of energy, space, materials, and information. A sequencing algorithm is applied to optimize the design process. Finally, 20 design tasks of lunar habitat design are clarified among four phases: Pre-planning, spatial design, environmental design, and optimization. Related disciplines should coordinate in the design process according to the optimization results, and use the optimized task coupling relationship to build the requirement model and design model in an orderly manner to improve the design efficiency.