Development of a methodology for the derivation of variations in PGE on the basis of partially quantified embodiment-function-models using the example of clutch judder by forced excitation

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Albert Albers
• Subject Area: Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 416374536

The main objective of the research project is answering the question how variations of subsystems can be derived systematically in the development of a new product generation (PGE - Product Generation Engineering), based on partially quantified embodiment-function-models which are based on the C&C2 approach. The resulting methodology will be developed and firstly evaluated using the example of clutch judder by forced excitation and will be documented in a guideline. The first subgoal is the generation of a suitable embodiment-function-model of the technical system which is used as an example. Apart from the model itself further insights regarding the modeling process will result from this activity, for example about the appropriate level of detail and simplifying assumptions that can be made. For the derivation of variations it is necessary to know the embodiment-function-relations not only qualitatively but also quantitatively. However a quantification of those relations for the complete system is not possible due to the required effort. Hence, hypotheses are necessary specifying which data are relevant for a quantitative description and where they have to be collected in the system to be finally able to derive the desired variations. A method for this purpose will be a substantial part of the intended guideline. Collecting the wanted data requires the set up of a suitable testing environment. Combining the gathered data and the qualitative model gives a partially quantified model as a basis for the next steps. Conclusively the method to derive variations of subsystems using those models is investigated, aiming at variations to reduce the clutch judder by forced excitation. From the total set of generated variations the most promissing are selected and implemented physically (development generations) and tested using the built testing environment. The development generations, the underlying ideas and the new gathered date are important results of the research project. Based on them the inteded guideline will also include insights and methods for the interpretation of gathered date, the derivation of variations and the selection of development generations based on their estimated potential and risk.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants