Robustness quantification for conceptual design

Author

Sravan Bobba

Abstract

"Robust design and its achievements are a great contribution to the quality engineering field. Robust design uses various forms of experimental methods of which Taguchi’s method of designed experiments is prominently used. These methods emphasis on parameter design and the stages preceding are not included in the design procedure. Ability to quantify the robustness of designs in the early stages of design cycle is critical. Few methods are available which explicitly succor in making conceptual designs robust.

This thesis exemplifies the importance of robust design in the conceptual design phase. In our research, a methodology to develop robust conceptual design is developed. The methodology is developed by modifying the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Using this method, we can compare the design alternatives generated for a design problem and select the most robust design concept. The comparison of the concepts is done with regard to the variations confronted by the concepts in operational conditions. Concepts are rated with regard to the resistance offered to the variations and a criticality factor is calculated. The concept with the least criticality factor value is selected as the most robust concept.

The application of the proposed methodology is epitomized by two design problems. Design alternatives are generated for an anti-theft device for a trailer and a conveyor belt used in a freezer in a sea-food processing plant. In both cases the alternatives are evaluated and rated using the methodology and the most robust design is selected"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Du, Xiaoping

Committee Member(s)

Liou, Frank W.
Takai, Shun

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Pagination

viii, 64 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-63).

Rights

© 2009 Sravan Bobba, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Engineering design -- Case studies
Robust optimization

Thesis Number

T 9479

Print OCLC #

436214778

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Bobba, Sravan, "Robustness quantification for conceptual design" (2009). Masters Theses. 84.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/84