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Department of Engineering - Annual Report 1996/97
THE ENGINEERING DESIGN CENTRE
The Centre
Functional Modelling
Configuration Optimisation
Materials Selection
Process Integration
Utilisation of Design Processes in Aerospace
Healthcare
OTHER DESIGN TOPICS
Heavy Vehicles
Special Projects
Design for Technology Mismatch
Mr K.M. Wallace
Dr P.J. Clarkson
Professor M.F. Ashby
The Engineering Design Centre (EDC), supported by a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), entered its seventh year. The goals of the EDC are to develop, validate and disseminate fundamental design methods for the design of mechanical systems. The research programme is split into four main themes: Functional Modelling, Configuration Optimisation, Materials Selection, and Process Integration. The design methods and tools developed are tested on design applications in collaboration with industrial partners in the Aerospace, Healthcare and Heavy Duty Vehicles sectors including projects on micro-mechanisms, database systems, and environmentally-sustainable design. The value of the EDC's current 4-year EPSRC grant for 1995-98 is £2 million and the EDC has applied for £1 million for a further two years by the EPSRC. The collaborative project between Panasonic and RACE (Research into Artefacts, Centre for Engineering) at the University of Tokyo has continued and a successful joint workshop was held in Cambridge in January 1997. There have been research student exchanges with the Technical University of Berlin, the French Institute of Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Clermont-Ferrand and the University of Rome.
Mr K.M. Wallace
Mr A.L. Johnson
Dr T.P. Bligh
Dr A. Chakrabarti
Dr R. Bracewell
A methodology is under development for generating conceptual and embodiment design using functional modelling theory. It is a long-term, generic research project focusing on the functional description stage of the design process. First a new mechanical concept has to be synthesised and with computer support this can lead to a very large number of solutions that have to be visualised and evaluated (Functional Synthesis). Once a feasible spatial concept has been generated, it is necessary to assemble a model from elementary components, to find dimensions for these components, and for the model's performance to be verified by simulation and animation (Embodiment Generation).
Dr P.J. Clarkson
Dr D. Cebon
Dr D.F. Moore
Dr G.T. Parks
Professor A.R. Farmer
The aim is to develop methods and tools for design configuration optimisation to achieve market, product performance and manufacturing objectives. This theme picks up the functional description and preliminary embodiment generated using the methods being developed in Functional Modelling and turns these into an optimised physical description of a product that can be manufactured. A major challenge in this area is applying the available mathematical optimisation and selection techniques, such as simulated annealing, in the field of mechanical design. The problem is the difficulty of creating a model that expresses a single, or multiple, objective function for a mechanical system in mathematical terms. A bottom-up approach is being adopted and three specific applications are being addressed: precision machines; heavy duty vehicle suspension systems; and structural configuration optimisation (Design Optimisation). When working on certain aspects of a design, for example validation or reliability, designers need specialised guidance to help them optimise the configuration (Designer Guidance).
Professor M.F. Ashby
Dr D. Cebon
The aim of this theme is to understand, model and support the selection of materials, shapes, manufacturing processes and standard components. This theme is intimately linked with Configuration Optimisation because, to complete the physical description of the product, materials have to be selected for every component (Material Selection Strategies); materials and shapes have to be matched (Materials and Shape Selection); and material manufacturing processes selected (Materials Process Selection). Work has continued in all of these areas as well as on developing generic selection methodologies for engineering entities, including materials(C14); manufacturing processes; and standard components, such as bearings, bolts or actuators(C12,C13,C33).
Comprehensive databases of non-ferrous alloys(C52) and engineering ceramics and glasses(C3) were completed in 1997.
Mr K.M. Wallace
Dr L.T.M. Blessing
Dr N.R. Ball
Dr N.K. Upton
There is a need to develop an integrated and flexible design environment which will support engineering designers and design teams. The EDC's approach to this, with a process-based support system known as PROSUS, recognises that the design process must be understood, structured, integrated and managed, and linked to a knowledge base (Design Process). The product description must be held in a Product Model (Product Model) and manipulated using the available design tools, including both the ones being developed in the first three themes, and those available outside the EDC, through an Integrated Design Framework (Integrated Design Framework). One of the major challenges of this theme is the capture, storage and retrieval of information about the design being created that not only describes the artefact but also captures the design process, that is stores the design rationale behind design decisions.
Mr K.M. Wallace
This high-technology sector is the UK's largest export earner. The sector is at the cutting edge of many technologies and needs to ensure that it utilises the best design processes, information systems and configuration optimisation methods. British Aerospace have supported a 3-year Sir Frederick Page Senior Research Fellowship in the EDC and a particular application project with British Aerospace has been the conceptual design of a Flight Refuelling Probe using the EDC's design methods. GKN Westland Helicopters are supporting research into the optimum design of helicopter rotor blades. As a result we are developing a knowledge-based `signposting' tool which, when coupled with context-sensitive guidelines, will help steer the designer through the most efficient and appropriate design process. Rolls-Royce are to continue supporting research into the capture, storage and reuse of experience and design information.
Dr P.J. Clarkson
The interest here is in two aspects: the increasing priority being given to the needs of disabled people; and the needs of medical equipment manufacturers for designs that may be validated in order to meet regulatory requirements. Cambridge Consultants are currently supporting the development of a new methodology to support the design and validation of medical devices. Bath Institute of Medical Engineering have supported the development of a method to reduce the cost of rehabilitation equipment. A Mobile Arm Support (MAS) is being developed as an assistive aid for Muscular Dystrophy sufferers and it is hoped that this may be commercialised with support from the Muscular Dystrophy Group and a local manufacturing company. Research is also being undertaken in collaboration with the University Computer Laboratory and local companies to define best practice for human-computer interface design suitable for able-bodied and disabled users.
Dr D. Cebon
There is a continuing trend towards moving more goods by road. A need has been identified for better vehicle suspension systems to increase safety and reduce road damage. The economic impact of work in this area is very significant. Industrial partners in the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium (see Dynamics and Vibrations) have supported the design, manufacture and testing of a semi-active damper for use in heavy duty vehicles. This work has now been completed and is entering an implementation phase, led by the industrial partners. Work has begun recently on developing active suspension hardware to optimise roll-over performance of lorries.
A new method for evaluating design concepts has been developed. The method involves an assessment of the life-time costs and benefits of all aspects of system performance. It has the significant advantage, over many conventional evaluation methods, of being quantitative and unbiased. The method has been tested on a case study involving various heavy vehicle suspensions(C28). An extension of the method will aid design optimisation.
Dr A. Chakrabarti
Dr N.R. Ball
Professor M.F. Ashby
This area is set aside for opportunistic work in other sectors. Current projects cover applications of a truly generic nature, such as Environmentally-Aware Design and Product Data Management structures, and those with exciting future potential, such as micro-mechanisms. Panasonic in Japan are supporting research into Environmentally-Aware Design and, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, micro-mechanism design. A patented micro-accelerometer has been developed from this research and is now being tested by Panasonic. Techniques are under development for selecting materials to meet specified design criteria while minimising the environmental impact (or `eco-burden') associated with production and use. A database containing the properties of materials - including those relevant to their environmental impact - is being assembled. It will be used to suggest how redesign can reduce the eco-burden of engineering products. Quillion Systems are supporting research into complex Product Data Management structures.
Dr A.J. Organ
`Technology mismatch' has been identified in a number of engineering products and situations. The concept appears useful as a criterion of the degree of product optimisation, and is being pursued as an adjunct to an established interest in optimisation. Further work has been carried out on the automated generation of nomograms (alignment charts) for accurate, quantitative hard-copy display of design information. An interest in aesthetics and styling is being extended with the aid of computer 3-D modelling facilities.
C1. Alexander, K.L., Clarkson, P.J. Design for validation of medical devices and equipment. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 137-142 (August 1997).
C2. Ashby, M.F. Materials selection: multiple constraints and compound objectives. In: Computerization and Networking of Material Databases 5; Edited by S. Nishijima, S. Iwata, 45-62. American Society for Testing and Materials, STP 1311 (ASTM, 1997).
C3. Ashby, M.F., Seymour, C.J., Cebon, D. Ceramics and Glasses Database. Cambridge Materials Selector. (Granta Design Limited, Cambridge, 1997).
C4. Blessing, L.T.M. Design process capture and support. Proceedings, 2nd WDK Workshop on Product Structuring, Delft, the Netherlands (June 1996); Edited by M. Tichem, K. MacCallum, et al, 109-121 (Delft University of Technology, 1996).
C5. Blessing, L.T.M., Ball, N.R. Implementation and evaluation of a process-based approach to design. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 271276 (August 1997).
C6. Blessing, L.T.M., Upton, N.K., Burgess, S.C., Chakrabarti, A., Nowack, M.L., Johnson, A.L., Weaver, P.M. Applying systematic design: the flight refuelling probe project. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.48 (January 1997).
C7. Burgess, S.C. The rating of efficiency of structural layouts using form factors. Part I: design for stiffness. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.43 (October 1996).
C8. Burgess, S.C. The rating of efficiency of structural layouts using form factors. Part II: design for strength. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.44 (October 1996).
C9. Burgess, S.C., Clarkson, P.J. The development of a novel rotary damping mechansim for aerospace deployment systems. Journal of Materials and Design, 18, (1), 17-24 (1997).
C10. Burgess, S.C., Moore, D.F., Newland, D.E., Klaubert, H.L. A study of mechanical configuration optimisation in micro-systems. Research in Engineering Design, 9, (1), 46-60 (1997).
C11. Burgess, S.C., Weaver, P.M. (Editors) Proceedings of an international workshop on shape and material optimisation of structures. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.54 (May 1997).
C12. Cebon, D., Ashby, M.F. Electronic materials information systems. Seminar on Electronic Delivery of Design Information, London. IMechE Seminar Papers S471 (October 1996).
C13. Cebon, D., Ashby, M.F. Optimal selection of engineering entities. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.59 (1997).
C14. Cebon, D., Ashby, M.F. Picking a winner: optimising materials selection. Materials World, 4, (11), 646-648 (1996).
C15. Chakrabarti, A. Supporting deep understanding and problem solving using function structures: a case study. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 71-76 (August 1997).
C16. Chakrabarti, A., Johnson, A.L., Kiriyama, T. An approach to automated synthesis of solution principles. Proceedings, ICED 97, International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 125-128 (August 1997).
C17. Charlton, C.T., Nowack, M.L. Design process support with a guideline retrieval system. Proceedings, Advanced Computational Techniques to Support Engineering Decision Making Meeting, ACTCC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Chilton, Didcot (March 1997).
C18. Charlton, C.T., Nowack, M.L., Wallace, K.M. Engineering design guideline support scheme. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 657660 (August 1997).
C19. Clarkson, P.J. Design for validation. Proceedings, 2nd Annual Conference on Auto-Injectors and Pen Injectors (Management Forum), London (February 1997).
C20. Clarkson, P.J. Engineering design: the future. Cambridge Future Conference, the Next Generation Symposium, Cambridge (August 1997) (Paper on www at http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/future/clarkson.html).
C21. Clarkson, P.J., Dowland, R.R., Cipolla, R. The use of prototypes in the design of interactive machines. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 735-740 (August 1997).
C22. Dowland, R.R., Cipolla, R., Clarkson, P.J. Interactive robotics in workshop activities. Proceedings, ACM Special Interest Group for Computer Human Interaction Conference, Atlanta, GA, USA (March 1997).
C23. Dowland, R.R., Cipolla, R., Clarkson, P.J. A prototype for interactive robotics application development. Proceedings, ICORR 97, 5th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, Bath, 71-74 (April 1997).
C24. Esawi, A.M.K., Ashby, M.F. Computer-based selection of manufacturing processes. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.50 (March 1997).
C25. Esawi, A.M.K., Ashby, M.F. Computer-based selection of manufacturing processes. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 571-574 (August 1997).
C26. EsawI, A.M.K., Ashby, M.F. Systematic process selection in mechanical design: a summary. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.51 (April 1997).
C27. Ferrary, P.C. Waste sorting by computer vision. Cambridge University Engineering Department Engineering Design Centre Internal Report (June 1997).
C28. Fu, T.T., Cebon, D. Evaluating designs through life costing. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 525-528 (August 1997).
C29. Hamilton, J.R., Clarkson, P.J., Burgess, S.C. The modelling of design knowledge for computer supported aerospace design. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 1, 235-240 (August 1997).
C30. Harmer, Q.J. Selecting standard components in a low-volume design project - a case study. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.46 (November 1996).
C31. Harmer, Q.J. Selection charts for rolling element bearing. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.47 (November 1996).
C32. Harmer, Q.J., Wallace, K.M. Design with transferred components. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.42 (November 1996). C1996.156
C33. Huber, J.E., Fleck, N.A., Ashby, M.F. The selection of mechanical actuators based on performance indices. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series A, 453, (1965), 2185-2205 (1997).
C34. Keates, S., Dowland, R.R. User modelling and the design of computer-based assistive devices. Proceedings, IEE Colloquium on Computers in the Service of Mankind: Helping the Disabled, London (March 1997).
C35. Keates, S., Potter, R., Perricos, C., Robinson, P. Gesture recognition - research and clinical perspectives. Proceedings, RESNA 97 (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America), Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 1, 333-335 (June 1997).
C36. Keates, S., Robinson, P. The role of user modelling in rehabilitation robotics. Proceedings, ICORR 97, 5th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, Bath (April 1997).
C37. Keates, S., Robinson, P. User performance modelling and cognitive load. Proceedings, RESNA 97 (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America), Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 1, 342-344 (June 1997).
C38. Khang, J.H.L., Wallace, K.M. Embodiment modelling with parameter-trees. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering and Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Rittahuhta, 2, 77-80 (August 1997).
C39. Klaubert, H.L., Blessing, L.T.M. An analysis of tiny design: design process for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 405-410 (August 1997).
C40. Marsh, J.R., Wallace, K.M. Observations on the role of experience in the design process. Workshop Design Konstruktion 15th Rigi-Kaltbad Workshop, Rigi, Switzerland (March 1997).
C41. Murdoch, T.N.S., Ball, N.R., Matthews, P.C. Constraint based templates for design re-use. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 267-270 (August 1997).
C42. Nidamarthi, S. Evaluation report on requirements-based support tools for the designer. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.49 (1997).
C43. Nidamarthi, S., Chakrabarti, A., Bligh, T.P. The significance of co-evolving requirements and solutions in the design process. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 1, 227-230 (August 1997).
C44. Nowack, M.L. Guideline use in various disciplines. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.52 (April 1997).
C45. Nowack, M.L., Rodgers, P.A., Charlton, C.T., Wallace, K.M. Design support with ergonomic guidelines. Advances in Occupational Ergonomics and Safety 1997, Proceedings, Annual International Conference, Washington DC, USA (June 1997); Edited by B. Das, W. Karwowski, 207-210 (IOS Press, and Ohmsha, 1997).
C46. Rodgers, P.A. The capture and retrieval of design information: an investigation of the information needs of British Telecom designers. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.58 (1997).
C47. Rodgers, P.A., Hamilton, J.R., Clarkson, P.J. A vision of the engineering design environment of the future. Proceedings, Irish Manufacturing Conference, Dublin, Eire; Edited by J. Monaghan, C.G. Lyons, 1, 525-533 (September 1997).
C48. Tang, M.X. An architecture for design collaboration management. Proceedings, Workshop on Formal Aspects of Collaborative CAD, Sydney, Australia (February 1997).
C49. Tang, M.X. Inductive learning in the context of intelligent design. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.41 (October 1996).
C50. Tang, M.X. A 3D assembly algorithm for embodiment design. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.45 (December 1996).
C51. Tang, M.X., Wallace, K.M. A knowledge-based approach to CAD system integration. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering and Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 2, 185-190 (August 1997).
C52. Thornton, M.H., Ashby, M.F., Cebon, D. Non-Ferrous Metals Database. Cambridge Materials Selector. (Granta Design Limited, Cambridge, 1997).
C53. Upton, N. Clarifying the business value of computer-based tools. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 283-288, (August 1997).
C54. Upton, N.K., Blessing, L.T.M. (Editors), Cantamessa, M., Schabacker, M., Vajna, S. Proceedings of an international workshop on the value of computer-based engineering tools. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.53 (April 1997).
C55. Wallace, K.M. Product development and design research. Keynote address. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design,Tampere, Finland (August 1997). Published in separate booklet: World Class Design - World Class Methods, 1-6 (1997).
C56. Wallace, K.M., Matheson, J.M.R., Hogue, C., Isgrove, D.W. Three years experience of running the integrated design project at Cambridge. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering and Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 407-410 (August 1997).
C57. Weaver, P.M., Ashby, M.F. An overview of material limits for shape efficiency. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.57 (July 1997).
C58. Wegst, U.G.K., AshbY, M.F. A database of the engineering properties of woods and its application. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.56 (May 1997).
C59. Wegst, U.G.K., Ashby, M.F. Material selection charts for natural materials. Cambridge University Engineering Department Technical Report CUED/C-EDC/TR.55 (May 1997).
C60. Yao, Z., Johnson, A.L. The application of empirical constraints in the design process. Proceedings, ICED97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 213-218 (August 1997).
C61. Yao, Z., Johnson, A.L. A constraint-based environment for mechanical design. Proceedings, ICED 97, 11th International Conference on Engineering Design, Tampere, Finland; Edited by A. Riitahuhta, 3, 257260 (August 1997).
C62. Yao, Z., Johnson, A.L. On estimating the feasible solution space of design. Computer-Aided Design, 29, (9), 649655 (1997).