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Session 3151

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS TOOLS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Samir B. Billatos, Nadia A. Basaly The University of Texas at Brownsville Department of Engineering Technology Brownsville, TX 78520

ABSTRACT

Post manufacturing life cycle analysis, e.g. design for serviceability and design for retirement, are surfacing in very structured methodologies and tools, primarily software. These methodologies and tools not only impact environmental friendliness, but also impact our economical efficiency and production quality. It is the objective of this paper to present these methodologies and discuss their incorporation in an educational program. The authors feel that environmental awareness should start early in our educational system. The paper describes how life cycle methodologies and tools can be implemented in a mechanical design for the environment course. In addition, the paper shows how searching the Internet has led to the discovery and use of software for post manufacturing life cycle analysis. This software and others could easily be used in the classroom to evaluate common products (e.g., household appliances) and industrial case studies.

1. INTRODUCTION

The product life cycle has been extensively examined through engineering and design. If a product can be thoroughly designed in the conceptual design stage, satisfying the numerous design for the environment (DFE) guidelines [1], environmental impact and production cost can be greatly reduced. Theories in life cycle engineering are being developed to minimize product cost and environmental impact, and maximize product quality. In reality, these goals have to be balanced to form a well-rounded design.

Manufacturing life cycle analysis is mature, with very developed design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) strategies. However, design for serviceability (DFS), design for retirement (DFR) and life-cycle assembly tools, the main components of post manufacturing life cycle analysis, are beginning to surface in structured methodologies. Some of these methodologies, researched for this paper, aid in all the stages of life cycle analysis. Some address the process of disassembly, which is present in both DFS and DFR. Some look specifically at the environmental impact made by the products’ materials. In this paper, DFS and DFR will be examined and evaluated for their significance in life cycle analysis. Their importance and impact on the environment must be taught in the classroom to prepare a new generation of environmentally friendly engineers. This paper introduces these

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Billatos, S. B., & Basaly, N. A. (1998, June), The Implementation Of Life Cycle Analysis Tools In Environmental Education Paper presented at 1998 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/1-2--7170