Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Decision rationale capture to support complex system design

International Conference on Design and Production Engineering

July 25-26, 2016 Berlin,Germany

Marco Aurisicchio

Imperial College London, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Appl Mech Eng

Abstract:

This talk will address the problem of decision rationale capture to support complex system design using case studies developed in industry. A software tool for graphical documentation of decision rationale, actively used in Rolls-Royce, will be initially introduced. The tool, known as Decision Rationale editor (DRed), incorporates notation for argument-based rationale capture as well as technology to integrate various types of engineering documents. From a software tool developed in academia and introduced in Rolls-Royce in 2002, DRed is currently used by over 1000 engineers across Rolls-Royce UK, Germany, US and Canada and has become a key instrument to support the companyâ??s product development process. Using case studies of DRed application on engine development programmes such as RB211, Trent 700, Trent 900, and Trent 1000, Dr Aurisicchio will argue that a shift has occurred in Rolls-Royce from the old-school view that design rationale capture is time-consuming and burdensome to the awareness that the tool fits well in engineering work and it gives immediate benefits to engineers including improving design quality, saving time and supporting project management, while leaving behind clear and traceable legacy design knowledge. The speaker will also show how DRed is supporting communication within Rolls-Royce engineering teams and externally with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, aviation authorities, government departments and subcontractors. More recent applications of decision rationale capture at NASA and Smiths Medical will also be discussed.

Biography :

Email: m.aurisicchio@imperial.ac.uk