Sensitivity measures for use during conceptual design Online publication date: Sat, 30-Aug-2014
by Ryan S. Hutcheson; Daniel A. McAdams
International Journal of Design Engineering (IJDE), Vol. 5, No. 1, 2012
Abstract: This paper outlines a function-based method for generating and utilising design parameter sensitivity knowledge for use during the conceptual design phase of an engineering system. Of particular interest is an understanding of sensitivity across a range of parameter values instead of only at a single nominal point. To do this, functional models created using the functional basis are created. Behavioural models for each function in the model are then identified and a sensitivity analysis is performed on each model with respect to each design parameter. A new proposed measure is used along with a coefficient of variation to reason about product sensitivity. The framework is suitable for storage in a repository and then used to aid the allocation of design and modelling resources during the design of a system with similar functionality. The specific focus areas of this paper are the sensitivity parameters and methods required to generate the sensitivity information for storage. An extensive case study to human powered flashlights is presented.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Design Engineering (IJDE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook