Conceptual design of a complex engineering system through coupled selection

In this paper, we present techniques that can aid a designer in the conceptual stage of a design process to compare and select combinations of subsystem design choices that are coupled. We focus on coupled selection problems where the amount of available information about the coupling could vary from small to large. We use graph theory representations to model the coupled selection problem where the nodes are the subsystem choices, and the arcs connecting the nodes are compatibility models. We solve the problem using discrete optimization techniques from graph theory. The approaches presented can help a designer narrow down the number of feasible subsystem combinations that represent system design alternatives. More thorough analysis of these feasible alternatives can then be performed in the later stages of the design process. A case study involving the design of a transport aircraft is used to illustrate these techniques.