Abstract: (1998). Genetic Algorithms and Engineering Design. The Engineering Economist: Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 379-381.

Abstract: The goal of the research reported here is to develop rigorous optimization algorithms to apply to some engineering design problems for which design application of traditional optimization approaches is not practical. This paper presents and analyzes a framework for generating a sequence of approximations to the objective function and managing the use of these approximations as surrogates for optimization. The result is to obtain convergence to a minimizer of an expensive objective function subject to simple constraints. The approach is widely applicable because it does not require, or even explicitly approximate, derivatives of the objective. Numerical results are presented for a 31-variable helicopter rotor blade design example and for a standard optimization test example.

Abstract: Engineering design is increasingly recognized as a decision-making process. This recognition brings with it the richness of many well-developed theories and methods from economics, operations research, decision sciences, and other disciplines. Done correctly, it forces the process of engineering design into a total systems context, and demands that design decisions account for a product's total life cycle, It also provides a theory of design that is based on a rigorous set of axioms that underlie value theory. But the rigor ofdecision-based design also places stringent conditions on the process of engineering design that eliminate popular approaches such as Quality Function Deployment. This paper presents the underlying notions of decision-based design, points to some of the axioms that underlie the theory of decision-based design, and discusses the consequences of the theory on engineering education.

Abstract: The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University has developed a set of seven Principles of Universal Design that may be used to guide the design process, to evaluate existing or new designs, and to teach students and practitioners. This article presents preceding design guidelines and evaluation criteria, describes the process of developing the Principles, lists The Principles of Universal Design and provides examples of designs that satisfy each, and suggests future developments that would facilitate applying the Principles to assess the usability of all types of products and environments.

Abstract: 1. Introduction.- 1.1 What is Multiple Criteria Decision Making.- 1.2 Relevance of MCDM to Engineering Design.- 1.2.1 The Structure of a Design Problem.- 1.2.2 The Principal Issues in Multiple Criteria Decision Making.- 1.2.3 Issues of Complexity, Subjectivity and Uncertainty.- 1.3 Design Selection vs Design Synthesis.- 1.4 Outline of the Book.- 2. MCDM and The Nature of Decision Making in Design.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Pareto Optimality: What are the Options?.- 2.3 MCDM Methods and Some Key Terminology.- 2.4 Concluding Comments.- 3. Multiple Attribute Decision Making.- 3.1 Problem Formulations and Method Classification.- 3.1.1 MADM Problems.- 3.1.2 Classification of MADM Methods.- 3.2 Techniques for Weight Assignment.- 3.2.1 Direct Assignment.- 3.2.2 Eigenvector Method.- 3.2.3 Entropy Method.- 3.2.4 Minimal Information Method.- 3.2.4.1 General Pairwise Comparisons and Minimal Information.- 3.2.4.2 Linear Programming Models for Weight Assignment.- 3.2.4.3 An Example.- 3.3 Typical MADM Methods and Applications.- 3.3.1 AHP Method and Application.- 3.3.2 UTA Method and Application.- 3.3.3 TOPSIS Method and Application.- 3.3.4 CODASID Method and Applications.- 3.3.4.1 Information Requirement and Normalization.- 3.3.4.2 New Concordance and Discordance Analyses.- 3.3.4.3 Preference Matrix and CODASID Algorithm.- 3.3.4.4 Applications.- 3.3.5 Comments.- 3.4 A Hierarchical Evaluation Process.- 3.4.1 Design Decision Problems with Subjective Factors.- 3.4.2 A Hierarchical Evaluation Process.- 3.4.3 The Ship Choice Problem.- 3.5 Concluding Comments.- 4. Multiple Objective Decision Making.- 4.1 Multiobjective Optimisation and Method Classification.- 4.1.1 Multiobjective Optimisation and Utility Functions.- 4.1.2 Classification of MODM Methods.- 4.2 Techniques for Single-Objective Optimisation.- 4.2.1 Optimality Conditions.- 4.2.2 Sequential Linear Programming.- 4.2.3 Penalty Methods.- 4.3 Typical MODM Methods.- 4.3.1 Goal Programming.- 4.3.2 Geoffrion's Method.- 4.3.3 Minimax Method.- 4.3.4 ISTM Method.- 4.3.5 Local Utility Function Method.- 4.4 Multiobjective Ship Design.- 4.4.1 A Nonlinear Preliminary Ship Design Model.- 4.4.2 Generation of Subsets of Efficient Ship Designs.- 4.4.3 Progressive Design.- 4.4.4 Design by Setting Target Values.- 4.4.5 Adaptive and Compromise Design.- 4.5 Concluding Comments.- 5. Multiple Criteria Decision Making and Genetic Algorithms.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 The Mechanics of the Simple Genetic Algorithm.- 5.2.1 Selection, Crossover and Mutation.- 5.2.2 A Bi-Modal Optimisation Problem.- 5.2.3 The Need for a Multiple Criteria Approach.- 5.3 Multiple Criteria Genetic Algorithms.- 5.3.1 Some Comparative Multiple Criteria G A Approaches.- 5.3.2 Common Issues in Multiple Criteria Genetic Algorithms in Engineering Design.- 5.3.3 Crowding and Niching.- 5.3.4 Estimating Niche Sizes.- 5.4 The Multiple Criteria Genetic Algorithm (MCGA): A Summary.- 5.5 A Numerical Example.- 5.6 An MCGA Schedule for a Generalised Job Shop.- 5.6.1 Problem Data.- 5.6.2 String Configuration.- 5.6.3 The Results from MCGA.- 5.7 Concluding Comments.- 6. An Integrated Multiple Criteria Decision Support System.- 6.1 System Structure and Method Selection.- 6.1.1 General Structure of IMC-DSS.- 6.1.2 The Routine Base for MCDM Techniques.- 6.1.3 Rules for Selection of MADM and MODM Methods.- 6.2 Data Base and Model Base.- 6.2.1 Decision Models and File Systems.- 6.2.2 Semi-Automatic Model Generation.- 6.3 A User Interface and Interactive Decision Making.- 6.3.1 Menu-Driven Interfaces.- 6.3.2 A Unified Approach for Generating and Ranking Design.- 6.4 Application of IMC-DSS.- 6.4.1 A Multiattribute Vessel Choice Problem.- 6.4.2 A Multiobjective Semi-Submersible Design Problem.- 6.4.3 Design Using the Unified Approach.- 6.5 Concluding Comments.- 7. Past, Present and the Future.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Case Studies.- 7.2.1 Designing product development processes to minimize lead times.- 7.2.2 Multicriteria robust optimisation under uncertainty of catamarans from a seakeeping point of view.- 7.3 Concluding Comments.- References.- Topic Index.

Abstract: Mechanics of Solids, Bela I. Sandor Introduction Statics Dynamics Vibrations Mechanics of Materials Structural Integrity and Durability Comprehensive Example of Using Mechanics of Solids Methods Engineering Thermodynamics, Michael J. Moran Fundamentals Control Volume Applications Property Relations and Data Combustion Exergy Analysis Vapor and Gas Power Cycles Guidelines for Improving Thermodynamic Effectiveness Fluid Mechanics, Frank Kreith Fluid Statics Equations of Motion and Potential Flow Similitude: Dimensionless Analysis and Data Correlation Hydraulics of Pipe Systems Open Channel Flow External Incompressible Flows Compressible Flow Multi-Phase Flow Non-Newtonian Flow Tribology, Lubrication, and Bearing Design Pumps and Fans Liquid Atomization and Spraying Flow Measurement Micro/Nanotribology Heat and Mass Transfer, Frank Kreith Conduction Heat Transfer Convection Heat Transfer Radiation Phase-Change Heat Exchangers Temperature and Heat Transfer Measurements Mass Transfer Applications Non-Newtonian Fluids - Heat Transfer Electrical Engineering, Giorgio Rizzoni Introduction Fundamentals of Electric Circuits Resistive Network Analysis AC Network Analysis AC Power Frequency Response, Filters, and Transient Analysis Electronics Power Electronics Operational Amplifiers Digital Circuits Measurements and Instrumentation Electromechanical Systems Mechanical System Controls, Jan F. Kreider Human-Machine Interaction The Need for Control of Mechanical Systems Control System Analysis Control System Design and Application Advanced Control Topics Energy Resources, D. Yogi Goswami Introduction Types of Derived Energy Fossil Fuels Biomass Energy Nuclear Resources Solar Energy Resources Wind Energy Resources Geothermal Energy Energy Conversion, D. Yogi Goswami Steam Power Plant Gas Turbines Internal Combustion Engines Hydraulic Turbines Stirling Engines Advanced Fossil Fuel Power Systems Energy Storage Nuclear Power Nuclear Fusion Solar Thermal Energy Conversion Wind Energy Conversion Energy Conversion of the Geothermal Resource Direct Energy Conversion Ocean Energy Technology Combined Cycle Power Plants EMERGY Evaluation and Transformity Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Shan K. Wang Introduction Psychrometrics Air Conditioning Processes and Cycles Refrigerants and Refrigeration Cycles Outdoor Design Conditions and Indoor Design Criteria Load Calculations Air Handling Units and Packaged Units Refrigeration Components and Evaporative Coolers Water Systems Heating Systems Refrigeration Systems Thermal Storage Systems Air Systems Absorption Systems Air Conditioning Systems and Selection Desiccant Dehumidification and Air Conditioning Transportation, Frank Kreith Transportation Planning Design of Transportation Facilities Operations and Environmental Impact Transportation Systems Alternative Fuels for Motor Vehicles Electric Vehicles Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineering Design, Leonard D. Albano and Nam P. Suh Introduction Elements of the Design Process Concept of Domains The Axiomatic Approach to Design Algorithmic Approaches to Design Strategies for Product Design Design of Manufacturing Systems and Processes Precision Machine Design Robotics Computer-Based Tools for Design Optimization Materials, Richard L. Lehman and Malcolm G. McLaren Metals Polymers Adhesives Wood Portland Cement Concrete Composites Ceramics and Glass Modern Manufacturing, Jay Lee and Robert Schafrik Introduction Unit Manufacturing Processes and Assembly Processes Essential Elements in Manufacturing Processes and Equipment Modern Design and Analysis Tools for Manufacturing Rapid Prototyping Underlying Paradigms in Manufacturing Systems and Enterprise Management for the 21st Century Robotics, Frank L. Lewis Introduction Commercial Robot Manipulators Robot Configurations End Effectors and Tooling Sensors and Actuators Robot Programming Languages Robot Dynamics and Control Planning and Intelligent Control Design of Robotic Systems Robot Manufacturing Applications Industrial Material Handling and Process Applications of Robots Mobile, Flexible-Link, and Parallel-Link Robots Computer-Aided Engineering, Kyran Mish Introduction Computer Programming and Computer Architecture Computational Mechanics Computer Intelligence Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Environmental Engineering, Jan F. Kreider Introduction Benchmarks and Reference Conditions Sources of Pollution and Regulations Regulations and Emission Standards Mitigation of Water and Air Pollution Environmental Modeling Global Climate Change Engineering Economics and Project Management, Chan S. Park and Donald D. Tippet Engineering Economic Decisions Establishing Economic Equivalence Measures of Project Worth Cash Flow Projections Sensitivity and Risk Analysis Design Economics Project Management Communications and Information Systems, Lloyd W. Taylor Introduction Network Components and Systems Communications and Information Theory Applications Mathematics, William F. Ames and George Cain Tables Linear Algebra and Matrices Vector Algebra and Calculus Difference Equations Differential Equations Integral Equations Approximation Methods Integral Transforms Calculus of Variations Approximation Optimization Methods Engineering and Statistics Numerical Methods Experimental Uncertainty Analysis Chaos Fuzzy Sets and Logic Patent Law and Miscellaneous Topics, Frank Kreith Patents and Other Intellectual Property Product Liability and Safety Bioengineering Mechanical Engineering Codes and Standards Optics Water Desalination Noise Control Lighting Technology Appendices, Paul Norton Properties of Gases and Vapors Properties of Liquids Properties of Solids SI Units Miscellaneous Index

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Engineering Design Design as Part of Engineering Enterprise Thermal Systems Outline and Scope of the Book BASIC CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN Formulation of the Design Problem Conceptual Design Steps in the Design Process Computer-Aided Design Material Selection MODELING OF THERMAL SYSTEMS Types of Models Mathematical Modeling Physical Modeling and Dimensional Analysis Curve Fitting NUMERICAL MODELING AND SIMULATION Numerical Modeling Solution Procedures Numerical Model for a System System Simulation Methods for Numerical Simulation ACCEPTABLE DESIGN OF A THERMAL SYSTEM: A SYNTHESIS OF DIFFERENT DESIGN STEPS Initial Design Design Strategies Design of Systems from Different Application Areas Additional Considerations for Large Practical Systems ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS Calculation of Interest Worth of Money as a Function of Time Series of Payments Raising Capital Taxes Economic Factor in Design Application to Thermal Systems PROBLEM FORMULATION FOR OPTIMIZATION Basic Concepts Optimization Methods Optimization of Thermal Systems Practical Aspects in Optimal Design LAGRANGE MULTIPLIERS Introduction to Calculus Methods The Lagrange Multiplier Method Optimization of Unconstrained Problems Optimization of Constrained Problems Applicability to Thermal Systems SEARCH METHODS Basic Considerations Single-Variable Problem Unconstrained Search with Multiple Variables Multivariable Constrained Optimization Examples of Thermal Systems GEOMETRIC, LINEAR, AND DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING AND OTHER METHODS FOR OPTIMIZATION Geometric Programming Linear Programming Dynamic Programming Other Methods KNOWLEDGE-BASED DESIGN AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Knowledge-Based Systems Additional Constraints Professional Ethics Sources of Information An Overview of Design of Thermal Systems Design Projects Appendix A Computer Programs Appendix B Material Properties Appendix C Interest Tables Appendix D Heat Transfer Correlations INDEX *This book contains an Introduction, Summary, References, and Problems in each chapter

Abstract: BLISS is a method for optimization of engineering systems by decomposition. It separates the system level optimization, having a relatively small number of design variables, from the potentially numerous subsystem optimizations that may each have a large number of local design variables. The subsystem optimizations are autonomous and may be conducted concurrently. Subsystem and system optimizations alternate, linked by sensitivity data, producing a design improvement in each iteration. Starting from a best guess initial design, the method improves that design in iterative cycles, each cycle comprised of two steps. In step one, the system level variables are frozen and the improvement is achieved by separate, concurrent, and autonomous optimizations in the local variable subdomains. In step two, further improvement is sought in the space of the system level variables. Optimum sensitivity data link the second step to the first. The method prototype was implemented using MATLAB and iSIGHT programming software and tested on a simplified, conceptural level supersonic business jet design, and a detailed design of an electronic device. Satisfactory convergence and favorable agreement with the benchmark results were observed. Modularity of the method is intended to fit the human organization and map well on the computing technology of concurrent processing.

Abstract: Decisions made at the conceptual design stage have significant influence on factors such as costs, performance, reliability, safety and environmental impact of a product. However, knowledge of all the design requirements and constraints during this early phase of a product's life cycle is usually imprecise, approximate or unknown. Faced with such complexity, individual designers have restricted themselves to narrow, well-defined sub-tasks and as a result, progress in this area has been patchy and spasmodic. The purpose of this survey is to document the current state of research and development in this crucial design activity and in doing so, to identify avenues of fruitful exploration. In this paper, we provide a comparison of the advantages/disadvantages and limitations between the various techniques/tools and, where applicable, suggest possible future research directions.

Abstract: We report on the development of a knowledge representation model, which is based on the SHARED object model reported in Shared Workspaces for Computer-Aided Collaborative Engineering (Wong, A. and Sriram, D., Technical Report, IESL 93-06, Intelligent Engineering Systems Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, MIT, March, 1993) and Research in Engineering Design (Wong, A. and Sriram, D., SHARED: An Information Model for Cooperative Product Development, 1993, Fall, 21-39). Our current model is implemented as a layered scheme, that incorporates both an evolving artifact and its associated design process. To represent artifacts as they evolve, we define objects recursively without a pre-defined granularity on this recursive decomposition. This eliminates the need for translations between levels of abstraction in the design process. The SHARED model extends traditional OOP in three ways: 1. by allowing explicit relationship classes with inheritance hierarchies; 2. by permitting constraints to be associated with objects and relationships; and 3. by comparing `similar' objects at three different levels (form, function and behavior). Five primitive objects define the design process: goal, plan, specification, decision and context. Goal objects achieve function, introduce constraints, introduce new artifacts or modify existing ones, and create subgoals. Plan objects order goals and link a product hierarchy to a process hierarchy. Specification objects define user inputs as constraints. Decision objects relate goals to user decisions and context objects describe the design context. Operators that are applied to design objects collectively form a representation of the design process for a given context. The representation is robust enough to effectively model four design paradigms [described in Journal of CAD (Gorti, S. and Sriram, R. D., Symbol to Form Mapping: a Framework for Conceptual Design, 1996, 28 (11), 853–870)]: top-down decomposition, step-wise refinement, bottom-up composition and constraint propagation. To demonstrate this, we represent the designs of two TV remote controllers in the SHARED architecture. The example reveals that certain aspects of artifact knowledge are essentially context-independent and that this representation can be a foundation for robust knowledge-based systems in design.

Abstract: In the future, it is unlikely that complex system products will compete solely on the basis of technical performance. What will differentiate such systems and their developers is the ability to balance all the dimensions of product performance, including product pricing and timing (which are functions inclusive of development cost and cycle time). Furthermore, this balance must be congruent with customers' perceptions of value. Once this value is ascertained or approximated, complex system developers will require the capability to adjust the design process to meet these expectations. The required amount and sophistication of project planning, control, information, and flexibility is unprecedented. The primary goal of this work is a method to help managers integrate process and design information in a way that supports making decisions that yield products congruent with customer desires and strategic business goals. This work consists of three parts. Part one contains two exploratory studies that further understanding of complex system product development processes. One study explores process iteration and seeks to explain why some aircraft development programs do not address iteration with existing project planning and control methods. The other study examines sources of risk, classifying these into six categories (cost, schedule, performance, technology, business, and market risks) and building causal frameworks to represent their relationships. Both studies point to avenues for improving existing process models and in some cases reveal process characteristics requiring new methods. These results, while derived from projects in the aerospace industry, are highly applicable across a variety of complex system development projects. Part two entails an effort to model some of the characteristics observed in part one. After a review of four types of dependency structure matrices (DSMs), notably the activity-based or schedule DSM, extensive data are collected from an uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV) design process. Part two thus describes how to build a DSM model and provides data for example applications of the detailed models developed in part three. Based on the foundational work of parts one and two, part three develops a new methodology and models for understanding product development process cost, schedule, and performance. The methodology complements activity-centric schedule models such as DSM in that activities provide direct contributions to process cost and schedule and design performance. This approach sets the stage for integrated cost, schedule, and performance analyses. A cost and schedule model is presented first, and it is extended to account for the effects of activities on product performance. The stochastic, simulation model generates distributions of possible cost, schedule, and performance outcomes. These distributions represent uncertainty and are analyzed in relation to impact functions and targets to determine levels of risk. The model outputs enable the exploration of the costs and benefits of several management options and yield interesting insights. The goal is to improve product development planning and control though the capability to balance cost, schedule, and performance appropriately. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)

Abstract: This paper examines the product engineering relationships between a vehicle manufacturer and six key suppliers which contribute to the final design of products. The interaction of design information between each supplier and customer is termed a design chain. The paper presents findings of the engineering design relationship between these companies and compares the different project management approaches used. Various mechanisms are used to coordinate these inter‐firm design operations. The paper emphasises a need for customers to differentiate between suppliers, based on their respective design contributions, in order to develop effective and appropriate coordination for the exchange of design and development information. The paper concludes that suppliers need to focus their project management skills on their customers’ processes to assist effective coordination, and finds that suppliers are promoting the use of guest engineers as one mechanism to deliver early participation.

Abstract: This paper reviews measures of manufacturing excellence and presents a design-for-manufacturability (DFM) program organized around early design and manufacturing teamwork and the economic analysis of design options. Typical measures of manufacturing excellence for a semiconductor fabricator are expressed in terms of either operational or economic results. Those expressed in terms of operational results are independent of the product mix in the fabricator while those expressed in terms of economic results integrate both fabricator and product design attributes into a single parameter such as revenue/wafer. Improvements in the operational measures of manufacturing excellence focus upon increases in capacity and throughput, defect density reductions, and cost containment. Improvements in the economic measures of manufacturing excellence must focus on both fabricator processing efficiency and the productivity of the design. Design-for-manufacturability practices can improve design productivity, time-to-market, and product performance and reliability by closely coupling semiconductor fabrication knowledge with product requirements during the initial phase of a product design. Every design decision produces both technical and economic consequences; understanding these consequences and using this knowledge in the design process to optimize product productivity and profitability is key to achieving manufacturing excellence for that product.

Abstract: When evaluation of terms such as "design complexity" and its "quality", it is often performed in an ad hoc manner. This paper attempts to remedy this situation by articulating two definitions of design complexity (structural complexity versus functional complexity), their associated value measures, and the relationships between them. The structural definition states that a design complexity is a function of its representation. Defining design complexity in the structural way provides quantitative techniques for evaluating vague terms. The functional definition states that a design complexity is a function of its probability of successfully achieving the required specifications (functional requirements and constraints). The proposed measurable metrics provide a proper basis for evaluating each step of the design process, and accordingly recommends the direction to follow for design modification and enhancement. It also provides a framework for comparing competing artifacts.

Abstract: In this paper, self-heating of interconnects has been shown to affect the lifetime of next generation integrated circuits significantly more severely than today's. The paper proves the necessity for extending the system of design rules, proposes a thermal design rule, and presents an efficient and quantitatively accurate thermal simulator as tool for the design process.

Abstract: In this paper we discuss the use of an object-oriented approach for hypermedia applications design, including web-based, based on the Object Oriented Hypermedia Design Method (OOHDM). We first motivate our work discussing the problems encountered while designing large scale, dynamic web-based applications, which combine complex navigation patterns with sophisticated computational behavior. We argue that a method providing systematic guidance to design is needed. Next, we introduce OOHDM, describing its main activities, namely: conceptual design, navigational design, abstract interface design and implementation, and discuss how OOHDM designs can be implemented in the WWW. Finally, related work and future research in this area are further discussed. 1. A Brief Overview of OOHDM The Object-Oriented Hypermedia Design Method is a model-based approach for building large hypermedia applications. It has been used to design different kinds of applications such as: web sites and information systems, interactive kiosks, multimedia presentations, etc. OOHDM comprises four different activities namely, Conceptual Design, Navigational Design, Abstract Interface Design and Implementation. They are performed in a mix of incremental, iterative and prototype-based development styles. During each activity a set of object-oriented models describing particular design concerns are built or enriched from previous iterations. As we explain below, treating conceptual, navigational and interface design as separate activities allows us to concentrate on different concerns one at a time. As a consequence we get more modular and reusable designs, and we obtain a framework to reason on the design process, encapsulating design experience specific to that activity. Besides, the interface design primitives can be easily mapped to non object-oriented implementation languages or environments (such as HTML or Toolbook) and thus OOHDM can be used regardless of whether the target system is a pure object-oriented environment one or a hybrid one (as those we usually find in the Internet). In Figure 1 we show a sketch of the activities in OOHDM and in Figure 2 we briefly describe OOHDM activities, primitives, concerns and abstraction mechanisms (an extension of the one shown in [Schwabe 95]).

Abstract: The spatial component of subsurface engineering data has historically been ignored because of the lack of appropriate analysis tools and techniques to account for this information. The development of powerful computed-based spatial information systems over the past decade has provided the necessary core technology for engineers to develop customized analysis environments for engineering design purposes. This paper describes a prototype spatial liquefaction analysis system that resulted from the integration of several commercial software packages capable of a range of spatial analysis functions with custom geotechnical earthquake engineering analysis software routines. The resulting integrated liquefaction analysis system permits the engineer to focus greater effort during the design phase on optimizing the various elements of the design by incorporating the spatial component of the geotechnical data explicitly in the analysis. The integration of the key components of the spatial liquefaction analysis syst...

Abstract: One of the crucial issues for developing computer aided conceptual design system is representation of functions which represent designers’ intention. Representing functions is also crucial not only for representing design objects but also for describing conceptual design processes, in which designers operate mainly functional concepts. Namely, function is a key concept to integrate object modeling and process modeling in design. In this paper, first we extend the FBS (Function-Behavior-State) diagram, which we have already proposed, by introducing three additional concepts for representing a function; namely, function body that represents designers’ intention directly, function modifier that qualifies a function body, and objective entity on which the function body occurs. This extended FBS diagram, called FBS/m (modifier) diagram, enables us to represent designers’ intention more precisely than the original FBS diagram. Then, we propose an FEP (Functional Evolution Process) model to represent design processes. In the FEP model, the FBS model of a design object is evolved through three steps, i.e., functional actualization, functional evaluation and functional operation. Functional actualization depicts a process to obtain physical descriptions from functional description. Functional evaluation is a process to measure realizability of functions of the design object. Functional operation is a process to operate functions to improve the design. Based on the FEP model, we analyze an actual design process, and show that the FEP model is suitable for representing designers’ intention along with design processes.

Abstract: This paper addresses the use of the Constrained Direct Iterative Surface Curvature (CDISC) design method in the aircraft design process. A discussion of some of the requirements for practical use of CFD in the design process is followed by a description of different CFD design methods, along with their relative strengths and weaknesses. A detailed description of the CDISC design method highlights some of the aspects of the method that provide computational efficiency and portability, as well as the flow and geometry constraint capabilities. In addition, an efficient approach to multipoint design, the Weighted Averaging of Geometries (WAG) method, is described and illustrated using a couple of simple examples. The CDISC and WAG methods are then applied to a complex generic business jet geometry using an unstructured grid flow solver to demonstrate the multipoint and multicomponent design capabilities of these methods. Introduction

Abstract: The thesis presented here is that the result of engineering is the design, construction, or operation of systems or their subsystems and components and that the teaching of systems must be central to engineering education. It is maintained that current undergraduate engineering curricula do not give the student adequate appreciation of this major intellectual element of their profession. Five proposals for approaches to correct this deficiency are offered: opportunities for clinical practice throughout all the undergraduate years; the use of distributed interactive simulation technology in semester-long projects; courses or course material on the phenomenology and behavior of systems; use of project management tools in engineering clinics; and encouraging engineering faculty to spend some part of their sabbaticals engaged in system design or operation. Issues of implementation are addressed, including the scaling of these ideas to universities that must meet the needs of large numbers of students.

Abstract: An effective apparel design process is key to the successful launch of an apparel product. Application of engineering design process theory, the foundation of the design process, may enhance understanding of the apparel design process. Goals of this research were to: (a) interpret actions and decisions made during the apparel design process, (b) determine whether the specific stages of engineering design process theory were used by apparel designers and merchandisers, and (c) determine applicability of engineering design process theory to apparel design. The research method was interpretive qualitative research employing triangulated methods of long interview and observation. Interview questions focused on actions and decisions made during the apparel design process. Inter-rater reliability and respondent validation were used to increase research reliability. Results showed that there is a systematic building block process to designing apparel lines and a direct relationship between engineering design pro...

Abstract: A flexible algorithm for solving nonlinear engineering design optimization problems involving zero-one, discrete, and continuous variables is presented. The algorithm restricts its search only to the permissible values of the variables, thereby reducing the search effort in converging near the optimum solution. The efficiency and ease of application of the proposed method is demonstrated by solving four different mechanical design problems chosen from the optimization literature. These results are encouraging and suggest the use of the technique to other more complex engineering design problems.

Abstract: With the present gap between CAD and CAE, designers are often hindere in their efforts to explore design alternatives and ensure product robustness. This paper describes the multi-representation architecture (MRA)—a design-analysis integration strategy that views CAD-CAE integration as an information-intensive mapping between design models and analysis models. The MRA divides this mapping into subproblems using four information representations: solution method models (SMMs), analysis building blocks (ABBs), product models (PMs), and product model-based analysis models (PBAMs). A key distinction is the explicit representation of design-analysis associativity as PM-ABB idealization linkages that are contained in PBAMs. The MRA achieves flexibility by supporting different solution tools and design tools, and by accommodating analysis models of diverse discipline, complexity and solution method. Object and constraint graph techniques provide modularity and rich semantics. Priority has been given to the class of problems termedroutine analysis—the regular use of established analysis models in product design. Representative solder joint fatigue case studies demonstrate that the MRA enables highly automated routine analysis for mixed formula-based and finite element-based models. Accordingly, one can employ the MRA and associated methodology to create specialized CAE tools that utilize both design information and general purpose solution tools.

Abstract: Feature-based modeling has been considered an indispensable tool for integrating design and manufacturing processes. In this paper, we propose a new approach to extracting machining features from a feature-based design model, based on an integrated geometric modeling system that supports both feature-based modeling and feature recognition. Feature recognition is achieved through an incremental feature converter. The incremental feature converter not only keeps the design model consistent, but also incrementally extracts machining features from design features as a design evolves. By combining the strength of feature-based design and feature recognition, the proposed approach can handle feature interactions and protrusion features effectively so that it deals with a large set of complex design models. Moreoever, the incremental nature makes it possible for the design process to be an ongoing negotiation between the design and the manufacturing planner at the initial design stage.