Conceptual design support by a genetic algorithm based approach

The highly competitive and rapidly changing global business environment requires companies to deliver new products with higher quality, lower cost and shorter time to the market. To develop a successful product, the early design stage plays an extremely important role. This project explores the feasibility of adapting genetic algorithms in design concept generation. Firstly, relevant theories of conceptual design, design methodologies and genetic algorithms have been reviewed in this report. Next, a Genetic Algorithm-based Approach for Conceptual Design (GenAConD) was introduced and explained in detail. Based on design methodologies such as Morphological Matrix, Design for Assembly and Design for Manufacture, the approach facilitates generation and evaluation of design concepts. Adaptation of genetic algorithm has been explained in terms of data structure and the genetic operators. GenAConD is then tested and verified using a case study of Study Table design. With the case study, the strengths and limitations of GenAConD were then discussed and recommendations for future work were given.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering