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A graph-theoretic approach to conceptual design with functional perspectives
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A graph-theoretic approach to conceptual design with functional perspectives

J Mathew, L Al-Hakim and A Kusiak
Computer-Aided Design, Vol.32(14), pp.867-875
12/2000
DOI: 10.1016/S0010-4485(00)00075-0

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Abstract

This paper explores the concepts of concurrency in design and develops an approach that involves reliability and other functional perspectives at the conceptual design stage. The paper uses graph theory to represent a product and define the relationships between its components. It employs the graph-theory concepts of the “tree” and the “forest” to represent a functional design artefact and idle condition, respectively. The approach presented in the paper provides a more refined visualisation of the energy flow and is applicable to numerous designs including sliding gears, clutches, overrunning clutches and flywheels, amongst others. It can be used to concurrently modify the design taking into consideration various constraints, e.g. expected mechanical failures and cost considerations. A case study is presented to illustrate the benefits of the approach discussed in the paper.
Industrial Engineering

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