Title: Feature-based cost estimation for composite structures with Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Utility Theory

Authors: Wankang Zhao, Jing Li, Chuck Zhang, Zhiyong Liang, Ben Wang

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA

Abstract: Affordability is a key factor in today|s manufacturing industry. Therefore, cost estimation at the design stage is necessary to optimise product design. This paper presents a cost estimation model for design and manufacturing of composite structures. The model, known as the Fuzzy Multi-attribute Utility, combines Multi-attribute Utility Theory and Fuzzy Logic. The Utility Theory is implemented to assign utility values to cost drivers according to expert opinions, and to calculate the cost index using fuzzy logic methods. This cost estimation method can be used at the early design phase where manufacturing information is normally incomplete or uncertain.

Keywords: fuzzy sets; multi-attribute utility theory; feature-based cost estimation; composite materials; genetic algorithms; GA; composites; product design; fuzzy logic; early design; manufacturing information; product development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2006.009061

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2006 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.284 - 300

Published online: 21 Feb 2006 *

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