Clarification of sustainability consequences of manufacturing processes in conceptual design
Year: 2013
Editor: Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author: Hallstedt, Sophie; Isaksson, Ola
Series: ICED
Institution: 1: Blekinge Tekninska Högskola, Sweden; 2: GKN Aerospace Engine Systems
Page(s): 145-154
ISBN: 978-1-904670-52-0
ISSN: 2220-4334
Abstract
In the conceptual design of aircraft jet engine components, not only the product architecture and dimensions are set but the associate manufacturing processes are also defined. From a design decision point of view it is critical to identify and characterize the consequences of alternative solutions. This paper reports on a case, where a milling process needed to be selected in an early design phase of a jet engine component. An Electro-Chemical Milling process was considered but its impact on sustainability needed clarification. An approach that combined a simplified Environmental Impact Assessment with a Strategic Sustainability Assessment was used. The main finding and contribution from the work is a method that helps to clarify consequences of sustainability-related issues by combining the two analysis tools with a risk analysis implementation. The results reveal that once the consequences can be clarified, increased attention and understanding are gained.
Keywords: Sustainable manufacturing, strategic sustainability assessment, risk assessment, conceptual design, decision support