Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Evaluation and optimization of large-scale engineering system modularity using an axiomatic design approach

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/q811km978

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  • Large-scale engineering systems provide important functions and at the same time address serious concerns to human society. Because of the complexity and resources involved, the development of these systems is currently a challenging undertaking. In this work, an axiomatic design approach, based on Suhs axiomatic design theory, and combined with aspects of design of experiments, response surface modeling, and optimization techniques, is developed for the evaluation and improvement of large-scale engineering systems. Modularity is a key factor in producing simpler structures, more robust performance, and consuming fewer resources, and therefore, used as a consistent criteria to evaluate and improve an existing design. The mathematical representation of functional independence in Suh's axiomatic design theory is adopted to measure modularity at both conceptual and parametric levels. At a conceptual level, the approach organizes and decomposes multiple, competing functional requirements of a large-scale engineering system, and relates them to their associated physical embodiments based on axiom 1. The design matrix, Reangularity, and Semiangularity, are used at a parametric level to evaluate the modularity of the system design. If the evaluation shows any areas for improvement, an optimization procedure is adopted to achieve a safer and more robust design by increasing the modularity. The Reactor Cavity Cooling System in General Atomics' Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor is used to demonstrate the use of the axiomatic design approach in an industrial application. The results show that the axiomatic design approach provides a viable approach to systematically evaluate a large-scale engineering system against multiple, competing design objectives and help improve the quality of the current design.
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