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Abstract

The thesis consists of two parts. Part 1 covers basic philosophy and theory and Part 2 with their practical application in a series of investigations conducted with omputerised modules. Part 2 is rounded off with a chapter dedicated to critical discussions of the investigations and culminates with a conclusions chapter.

The first chapter of Part 1 describes twin aims of the thesis the first being the study and development of tradeoff methodology with particular emphasis on its use during the conceptual phase of a modern jet transporter, and the second the complementary development of a generalised methodology for conceptual design based on relatively simple models and facilitated by the establishment of a PC based computational environment. The aims thus stated are complemented by listed primary and secondary objectives. The second chapter is a review of literature which presents critical surveys and appraisals of all the areas which were the subject of investigative reading. The review is an essential preliminary to Chapter 3 inasmuch as the experience gained conditioned the development of the working philosophy and computer models which are described therein. This major chapter is structured as a sequence of perspectives commencing with a more detailed exposition of the thesis objectives, goes on to develop the working philosophy and then addresses the theoretical basis of the computer modules which support the implementation of the second of the two stated aims. All the necessary equations are described at this stage. The modules devised serve two functions namely Parametric and Decision Analysis. The first is supported by Base, Optimising and Costing modules and the second by a Compromiser and Selector Module. The Compromiser module to some extent complements the Optimiser Module.

Part 2 is mainly concerned with the application of the modules introduced in Part 1 and largely devolves on how these are used within the Matlab software environment. The first chapter of Part 2 is especially important as it describes the way the input data and Matlab syntaxes are prepared. It is important to realise that the use ofMatlab software requires a highly structured discipline and considerable experience is required for its effective application. The next chapter describes a series of investigations devoted to parametric analysis using the Base and Optimiser modules and presents the results in graphs and charts. The processing of the results is an important feature of the analysis. The Compromiser and Selector modules are exercised with practical applications relating to goal attainment and aircraft selection.

The penultimate chapter presents critical discussions relating to (a) the results obtained by the investigations and (b) to the analytical approaches taken. The final chapter specifies conclusions relating to the fulfilment of the aims and objectives~ innovation and originality and recommendations for future research.

Some of the research undertaken was eventually judged to be peripheral to the main thrust of the thesis. However the information it provided was judged to be sufficiently useful to be worth preserving in supporting appendices .

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Departments:	School of Science & Technology

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