A Concurrent Engineering Approach for Product Design Optimization

Abstract

Concurrent engineering is a parallel approach that is intended to maximize quality, reduce lead time, and lower costs. In this work, the concurrent engineering methodology has been adopted to ensure design optimization of mechanical systems. Design optimization problems have been synthesized based on the nature of the relation between the parameters and the restrictions imposed by virtue of op erational conditions and the complexity of weighting the competitiveness of design objectives Solution methodologies have been developed for explicit and implicit relationships. Moreover, the concept of modeling has been used to develop a set of attnbutes that provides the best possible solution These approaches are devised to warrant optimum performance of mechanical components, subsystems, and systems. Examples pertaining to these solution methodologies are presented. These examples cover a wide range of applications in mechanical sys tems and would help clarify the overall framework of problem-solution schemes frequently encountered in the design of mechanical sys tems.