ISSN:
1433-3015
Keywords:
Aerodynamics
;
Concurrent engineering
;
Manufacturing costs
;
Optimisation
;
Statistical models
;
Tolerances
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract A component of the direct operating cost of aircraft is that associated with the manufacturing cost. This affects depreciation, interest, insurance and maintenance charges. By relaxing the requirements for aerodynamic surface smoothness the manufacturing cost can be reduced at the expense of an increase in drag and corresponding fuel costs. This work is part of a study to examine this multidisciplinary problem. Only isolated turbofan nacelles are considered. The costs associated with assigning different tolerance levels to the feature dimensions on nacelles are assessed. A statistical procedure is employed to estimate the cost-tolerance relationship for eleven features involving gaps, steps, surface profile and fastener flushness. This procedure requires actual manufacturing and cost source data. A knowledge of the cost-tolerance relationships is useful in a concurrent engineering context. It will allow aerodynamicists to optimise surface smoothness in consultation with production engineers, thus achieving the best compromise between cost and drag.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01179079
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