Thesis-2003-Teoh.pdf (97.51 MB)
Failure modes and effects analysis for conceptual design
thesis
posted on 2010-11-01, 11:21 authored by Ping C. TeohFailure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is one of the concurrent engineering
tools that is widely used. It is a tool for quality improvement, as well as for risk
assessment. However, a lot of shortcomings have hindered its effectiveness. Much
research has been carried out and many commercial tools have been introduced to
enhance the method. Unfortunately, none of the tools are able to fulfill the needs for
automatic FMEA generation for generic applications. This research aims to contribute
to the implementation of design and process FMEA in conceptual design. Focus is
given to the area of functional and structural modelling, as well as the information
model for FMEA knowledge. The emphasis is to prevent repeated information in the
FMEA and encourage knowledge reuse.
A literature review has been carried out on the FMEA background, the current FMEA
tools and research, as well as other related areas in modelling and reasoning
techniques. Special emphasis was given to the application in FMEA, conceptual
design, knowledge collection, organisation and reuse. An object-oriented FMEA
model has been established based on the review. A "Knowledge fragment" reasoning
approach has been used for its simplicity and capability to work with incomplete
information. The reasoning approach has also been improvised to enable new
knowledge creation. The FMEA model has been implemented using a software
prototype and an information model. An FMEA framework for knowledge collection,
reuse and maintenance has also been developed. The prototype software and the
generated results were evaluated using five case studies. The evaluation confirmed the
capability of the prototype to create reliable new knowledge. It has also revealed some
issues arose during the case studies. As a result, some improvements have been
suggested. A common ontology approach and an integrated knowledge-sharing
framework have been proposed for continuous knowledge enrichment. Finally,
conclusions are drawn against the research objectives.
The research has shown the potential of the new FMEA generation approach for
conceptual design applications. Through the proposed method, knowledge sharing can
be carried out continuously through out the product development life cycle.
History
School
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Publisher
© Teoh Ping ChowPublication date
2003Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.274905Language
- en