On the integration of materials characterization into the product development lifecycle
Date
2024
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Abstract
The document is broken down into four sections whereby a more complete integration of materials characterization into the product development lifecycle, when compared to traditional approaches, is researched and considered. The driving purpose behind this research is to demonstrate that an application of systems engineering principles to the characterization sciences mechanism within materials engineering and development will produce a more efficient and comprehensive understanding of complex material systems. This will allow for the mitigation of risk, enhancement of relevant data, and planning of characterization procedures proactively. The first section proposes a methodology for Characterization Systems Engineering (CSE) as an aid in the development life cycle of complex, material systems by combining activities traditionally associated with materials characterization, quality engineering, and systems engineering into an effective hybrid approach. The proposed benefits of CSE include shortened product development phases, faster and more complete problem solving throughout the full system life cycle, and a more adequate mechanism for integrating and accommodating novel materials into already complex systems. CSE also provides a platform for the organization and prioritization of comprehensive testing and targeted test planning strategies. Opportunities to further develop and apply the methodology are discussed. The second section focuses on the need for and design of a characterizability system attribute to assist in the development of systems that involve material components. While materials characterization efforts are typically treated as an afterthought during project planning, the argument is made here that leveraging the data generated via complete characterization efforts can enhance manufacturability, seed research efforts and intellectual property for next-generation projects, and generate more realistic and representative models. A characterizability metric is evaluated against a test scenario, within the domain of electromagnetic interference shielding, to demonstrate the utility and distinction of this system attribute. Follow-on research steps to improve the depth of the attribute application are proposed. In the third section, a test and evaluation planning protocol is developed with the specific intention of increasing the effectiveness of materials characterization within the system development lifecycle. Materials characterization is frequently not accounted for in the test planning phases of system developments, and a more proactive approach to streamlined verification and validation activities can be applied. By applying test engineering methods to materials characterization, systems engineers can produce more complete datasets and more adequately execute testing cycles. A process workflow is introduced to manage the complexity inherent to material systems development and their associated characterization sciences objectives. An example using queuing theory is used to demonstrate the potential efficacy of the technique. Topics for further test and evaluation planning for materials engineering applications are discussed. In the fourth section, a workflow is proposed to more appropriately address the risk generated by materials characterization activities within the development of complex material systems when compared to conventional engineering approaches. Quality engineering, risk mitigation efforts, and emergency response protocols are discussed with the intention of reshaping post-development phase activities to address in-service material failures. While root cause investigations are a critical component to stewardship of the full system lifecycle during a product's development, deployment and operation, a more tailored and proactive response to system defects and failures is required to meet the increasingly stringent technical performance requirements associated with modern, material-intensive systems. The analysis includes a Bayesian approach to risk assessment of materials characterization efforts through which uncertainty regarding scheduling and cost can be quantified.
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Subject
complexity
systems
materials
characterization