John Pandremenos

A neural network approach for the development of modular product architectures

The clustering of a products components into modules is an effective means of creating modular architectures. This article initially links the clustering efficiency with the interactions of a products components, and interesting observations are extracted. A novel clustering method utilising neural network algorithms and design structure matrices (DSMs) is then introduced. The method is capable of reorganising the components of a product in clusters, in order for the interactions to be maximised inside and minimised outside the clusters. In addition, a multi-criteria decision-making approach is used, in order for the efficiency of the different clustering alternatives, derived by the network, to be evaluated. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate and assess the application of the method. The derived algorithmic clustering proved to be more efficient compared with the empirical one, and thus, it can be used by design engineers as an effective tool for the derivation of product clustering alternatives.

Multifunctional Materials Used in Automotive Industry: A Critical Review

Nowadays, advanced materials and related processes in the automotive industry, are more widely used, leading to an effort towards reducing weight and fuel consumption. The use of such advanced materials and technologies tends to increase the cost. Multifunctional materials (MFMs) and related processing technologies aim at overcoming this increase of cost by exploiting the high level of functional integration. MFMs are designed so as to meet specific requirements through tailored properties. The use of such materials, in the automotive body construction, can help reduce produced parts, lightweight design, high level of integration of functionalities, advancements in mechanical properties of structures etc. In the current study, there is a clear definition of MFMs, and a critical view of such materials used both in the automotive body construction and in other industrial applications.

Energy Efficient Process Planning System – The ENEPLAN Project

The key factor to success, towards a competitive energy consumption reduction, is the effective involvement of SMEs both in the use of more efficient machines and in the Design of an Environment for new products. A specific product can be manufactured in different ways, based on cost optimization rather than on production flexibility and energy efficiency with the involvement of different suppliers. The ENEPLAN project aims at the development of a digital and real, energy-efficient, multi-process, networked, manufacturing system, adapted to the functional specifications of metal formed or machined parts for automotive, aeronautic and domestic appliances. Seventeen partners, coming from seven European countries and the participation of OEMs, SMEs, RTD and technology providers, who work jointly to deliver through ENEPLAN a manufacturing planning decision support tool (meta-CAM tool), for the optimization of the plant operation. This tool will be used from the conceptual phase of the product (final blueprints) to its final dispatch to the customer. This paper will provide a short overview of the ENEPLAN project and its ongoing developments, while the existing results will be presented and discussed and the next steps will be described.

CO2 laser welding of AHSS

This paper deals with the laser welding of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) that have promising properties for automotive applications. Experimental investigation into the CO2 laser welding of the dissimilar steel grades PM/CP800 and PM/CP1000 is reported. The objective of this study is the examination of the joining feasibility of these materials for different process parameters. Moreover, the parameters that lead to the optimum geometrical characteristics of the weld have been defined. Finally, the paper demonstrates the way that a laser machine, mostly dedicated to cutting operations, can be modified so as to perform welding.This paper deals with the laser welding of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) that have promising properties for automotive applications. Experimental investigation into the CO2 laser welding of the dissimilar steel grades PM/CP800 and PM/CP1000 is reported. The objective of this study is the examination of the joining feasibility of these materials for different process parameters. Moreover, the parameters that lead to the optimum geometrical characteristics of the weld have been defined. Finally, the paper demonstrates the way that a laser machine, mostly dedicated to cutting operations, can be modified so as to perform welding.

Knowledge Management in a Virtual Lab Collaborative Training Project: A Mini-Formula Student Car Design

Aim of this chapter is to introduce reader to Collaborative Engineering (CE), a method providing concepts, technologies and solutions for product development in dispersed engineering teams. Initially, a reference is made to the main features of CE along with its advantages and some basic CE methodologies. Some of the methodologies mentioned in the chapter are collaborative product conceptualization, collaborative CAD, multiplying time project and collaborative virtual reality. Afterwards, the aforementioned CE methodologies are applied in a case study, so as to better explain them. More precisely, the study deals with the creation of a dispersed multinational team, having as main objective the design, analysis and manufacture of a mini formula student single seater car.

A shoe design support module towards mass customization

The transition from mass production to mass customization has brought new “facts” in the way the different actors of the supply chain do business together. On this context, new business models are being developed and introduced. This work presents a shoe design support module addressing the requirements of the new models for involving more actors such as product and production engineers, suppliers, customers, retailers etc. in the shoe development process. This module fosters the early integration and close collaboration of these Groups of Interest. Furthermore, a novel performance calculation tool is introduced which supports the iterative, collaborative shoe design process by automatically deriving the cost and time values for the new developed shoe model based on the envisioned production processes and the current situation at the production site.