Title: A performance-driven approach to the conceptual design of amphibious vehicles: a case study

Authors: Yuliang Li; Wei Zhao

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310027, China. ' Department of Foreign Language, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, 18 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China

Abstract: Product performances are closely related to customer requirements and product quality. However, performance centred design methodology aiming at complex product conceptual design has not been paid enough attention. In this paper a methodology combining divergent and convergent performance-driven conceptual design approaches is proposed. The methodology consists of six steps, i.e., the initial and extended performance requirements analyses, selection of physical effects (mechanism), qualitative evaluation of concepts, design of working principles or structures and quantitative evaluation of concepts. The design methodology is demonstrated with a conceptual design of an amphibious vehicle with a high requirement for speed on water.

Keywords: conceptual design; zigzagging process; amphibious vehicles; vehicle performance; vehicle design; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2011.045771

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2011 Vol.57 No.4, pp.359 - 390

Received: 16 Sep 2010
Accepted: 28 Nov 2010
Published online: 15 Apr 2015 *

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