Alkan, Bugra (2018) A complexity modelling approach to support early life-cycle phases of assembly automation systems. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

A multiplicity of factors including technological innovations, dynamic operating environments, and globalisation are all believed to contribute towards the ever-increasing complexity of manufacturing systems. Even though complexity is necessary to meet functional requirements, it is important to assess and monitor it to reduce life-cycle costs by optimising designs and minimising failure modes. The main aim of this research is to develop a scientifically valid and industrially applicable complexity modelling approach to support early life-cycle phases of industrial assembly systems against undesirable implications of static design complexity. Towards this aim, a systemic complexity modelling approach inspired by the relationships defining the p electron energy in organic molecular orbitals is introduced to the domain of industrial assembly. First, the approach is applied to industrial assembly products in order to assess and control their assembly complexity during early design stages. This is a preliminary requirement, as the product design complexity heavily influences the design of process and resources of a production system. Then, the mathematical model is revisited to assess static design complexity of assembly automation systems resulting from both logical and physical architectural designs, as well as their integration into complete systems. The novel approach is used to specify and implement a complexity assessment module integrated into a virtual system design software solution, namely the vueOne virtual manufacturing tool-sets, in order to add complexity assessment as part of the set of design support and validation tools used by manufacturing engineers. The proposed design support framework is tested on a series of assembly systems with varying degrees of static complexity. The study shows that the approach can help designers/managers to better identify root causes of static complexity, and provides a systemic approach to compare alternative system designs
Keywords: Complexity model, assembly systems, industrial automation systems, design support and optimisation

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Industrial design -- Methodology, Automation, Adaptive control systems, Industrial engineering -- Technological innovations, Assembly-line methods -- Automation, Assembling machines
Official Date:	May 2018
Dates:	Date Event May 2018 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Manufacturing Group
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Harrison, Robert|c(Professor) , Vera, Daniel
Sponsors:	Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı
Extent:	xx, 186 leaves : illustrations (chiefly colour)
Language:	eng

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