published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

The fundamental objective of a design engineer in performing tolerance technology is to transform functional requirements into tolerances on individual parts based on existing data and algorithms for design tolerance analysis and synthesis. The transformation of functional requirements into tolerances must also consider the existing process capabilities and manufacturing costs to determine the optimal tolerances and processes. The main objective of this research is to present an integrated but modular system for Computer Aided Tolerance Allocation, Tolerance Synthesis and Process Selection. The module is implemented in AutoCAD using the ARX 1.1 (AutoCAD Runtime Extension Libraries), MFC 4.2, Visual C++ 4.2, Access 7.0, AutoCAD Development System, AutoLISP, and Other AutoCAD Customization tools. The integrated module has two functions: a. Tolerance analysis and allocation: This module uses several statistical and optimization techniques to aggregate component tolerances. Random number generators are used to simulate historical data used by most of the optimization techniques to perform tolerance analysis. Various component tolerance distributions are considered (Beta, Normal, and Uniform). The proposed analysis technique takes into consideration the distribution of each fabrication of the component, this provides designers . The proposed tolerance analysis method takes into consideration the distribution of each fabrication process of the assembly. For assemblies with non-normal natural process tolerance distributions, this method allows designers to assign assembly tolerances that are closer to actual assembly tolerances when compared to other statistical methods. This is verified by comparing the proposed tolerance analysis method to the results of Monte Carlo simulations. The method results in assembly tolerances similar to those provided by Monte Carlo simulation yet is significantly less computationally-intensive. b. Process Selection: This thesis introduces a methodology for concurrent design that considers the allocation of tolerances and manufacturing processes for minimum cost. This methodology brings manufacturing concerns into the design process. A simulated annealing technique is used to solve the optimization problem. Independent, unordered, manufacturing processes are assumed for each assembly. The optimization technique uses Monte Carlo simulation. A simulated annealing technique is used to control the Monte Carlo analysis. In this optimization technique, tolerances are allocated using the cost-tolerance curves for each of the individual components. A cost-tolerance curve is defined for each component part in the assembly. The optimization algorithm varies the tolerance for each component and searches systematically for the combination of tolerances that minimizes the cost. The proposed tolerance allocation/process selection method was found to be superior to other tolerance allocation methods based on manufacturing costs. / Graduation date: 1997

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

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As the use of computers in engineering becomes more significant and widespread, there is a growing need for interactive computer programs which can be used with a minimum of user preparation. This thesis presents and demonstrates a system for writing interactive engineering programs in APL, a programming language. A good interactive program is sensitive to the needs of the user, and generally includes help features, default options, escape features and check features. To include all of these features in a conventionally organized program is complicated and tedious, especially for longer programs with many interaction events between the program and the user. The system presented here makes it fairly simple to include all of the above features, and provides two additional benefits: 1. The logic of the program becomes more prominent, hence easier to follow and check. 2. The program tends to be highly modular in form, making it more readable and easier to test and debug. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

Five computer have been developed for practical use by Industrial Engineers in a production environment. The programs cover the areas of, forecasting, learning efficiency, production control, network analysis and optimum equipment replacement policies. Theory, complete program documentation and case example, for each program, are presented. Programs are written in an interactive Basic mode and have been tested on the Radio Shack TRS-8-0 and Apple II Plus systems.

published_or_final_version / Management Studies / Master / Master of Business Administration