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Session 1649

AIMSeT: Advanced Innovative Materials Selection Techniques

Christopher C. Ibeh, Dhirendra Bhattarai Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS 66762

Abstract

Basic materials selection techniques typically yield more than one to several suitable materials for a given product, part or application based on pre-specified property requirements and processing method(s). Some of the advanced innovative materials selection techniques recognize that the pre-specified properties do not have the same level of importance in a given design or application. These innovative techniques such as the digital logic approach (DLA) and the life cycle value analysis (LCVA) methods operate on the basis of assigning expertly, pre-determined weighting factors to the pre- specified properties to portray their levels of importance. The weighting factor approach makes it possible to rank pre-selected materials in order of suitability. This paper discusses the successful and innovative use of the DLA and LCVA techniques, as part of the “advanced engineering materials,” graduate engineering technology course at Pittsburg State University (PSU), in the materials selection for the housings of signal and radar detection units. It is the authors’ position that the costs/performance-importance of materials in product, process and system’ design and development dictate that material selection be accorded priority and more attention in engineering technology and SMET curricula and education.

1. Introduction

One of the current trends in the industry is the focus on “costs” as one of the dominant design factors or criteria (1)(2)(3). Materials costs account for majority of the development and production costs; it is not uncommon for materials costs to account for more than fifty percent of development and production costs. Materials costs is typically about 50% in the ship building industry, and about 60% in the aerospace industry, and 70% in the automotive industry (2)(3)(4)(5). The implication of this is that materials selection is critical in any design or production process. Incorrect materials selection can result in difficulty of processing, inadequate product performance and ultimately increase in costs. Appropriate cost estimate include not only the initial materials costs but the fabrication, installation, transportation, disposal/recycling and penalty costs.

The materials selection situation is compounded by the availability of many types and grades of materials such as biomaterials, ceramics, composites, metals, polymers/plastics, wood and others that exhibit variability in property levels, processing requirements and costs. A good materials selection process takes into account these variations in

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Bhattarai, D., & Ibeh, C. (2003, June), Aimset: Advanced Innovative Materials Selection Techniques Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12326