Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Fall 1-31-2000

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering - (Ph.D.)

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

MengChu Zhou

Second Advisor

Donald H. Sebastian

Third Advisor

John D. Carpinelli

Fourth Advisor

Reggie J. Caudill

Fifth Advisor

Edwin Hou

Sixth Advisor

Venkatesh Kurapati

Abstract

This research focuses on integrated product and process development (IPPD) methodologies for environmentally conscious electronic products. After a review of current research issues in the field of product and process development, a generic framework for IPPD is proposed which describes most of the concerned issues formally as constrained optimization problems. These problems may include such optimization objectives as cost, benefit, and environmental impact. Based on this framework, an IPPD methodology is proposed as a systems approach to competitive and environmentally conscious product and process development. A case study on personal computer development is performed illustrating how to apply the methodology meaningfully and efficiently. Eco-compass concept is then integrated into the methodology to evaluate environmental impact, and a case study on business telephone development is performed. To automate the design of products and processes, a solution methodology for IPPD based on logical representation of process relations is proposed with two illustrating product development examples. Finally, a timed IPPD methodology is introduced with increased modeling capability and decision accuracy. It considers the execution duration of processes and their time-varying characteristics. The timed methodology is applied to the life cycle development of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) and provides a new way to develop cost-effective, high-quality, and environmentally conscious FMSs.

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