Due to the large-scale nature of complex product architectures, it is necessary to develop some form of abstraction in order to be able to describe and grasp the structure of the product, facilitating product modularization. In this paper we develop three methods for describing product architectures: (a) the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM), (b) Molecular Diagrams (MD), and (c) Visibility-Dependency (VD) signature diagrams. Each method has its own language (and abstraction), which can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively characterize any given architecture spanning the modular-integrated continuum. A consequence of abstraction is the loss of some detail. So, it is important to choose the correct method (and resolution) to characterize the architecture in order to retain the salient details. The proposed methods are suited for describing architectures of varying levels of complexity and detail. The three methods are demonstrated using a sequence of illustrative simple examples and a case-study analysis of a complex product architecture for an industrial gas turbine.

This study outlines a methodology for the valuation of the architecture of an integrated product or system through an appropriate level of modularization to maximize the societal value created. This method is developed through the application of the design structure matrix (DSM) and real options theory. The DSM method is utilized to develop an improved visibility estimate for non-hierarchic system architectures. A method is also proposed to account for different module sizes and system module level testing costs. Finally, a normalization procedure is proposed that allows comparing alternative modular arrangements of the same underlying system elements. The proposed method serves as the basis of an improved approach for architecture optimization. The proposed method is illustrated using a reference example of an industrial gas turbine.

This paper outlines a methodology for optimising the multi-domain architecture of a relatively integrated system through an appropriate level of modularisation to maximise societal value created. This method is developed through the application of real options theory and the dependency structure matrix (DSM), and illustrated using a reference example of an industrial gas turbine.

In this paper, we introduce the basic syntax and semantics for scrutinising DSMs in order to characterise the architecture of a complex system. Using this language, we then describe the process issues faced by clustering algorithms and use them to arrive at quantifiable signature measures for describing architectural types spanning the modular-integrated continuum. This language is demonstrated using a sequence of illustrative cartoons that are woven between the analysis of a more complex architecture of an industrial gas turbine.

Straightforward analysis can show that it is difficult to implement a successful electrodynamic braking system for a small wind turbine system, i.e. of swept area less than 200 m2 and power rating of 50 kW. Two principal difficulties are: (i) the peak short-circuit torque of the electrical generator can be far too low to overcome the torques associated with the wind turbine rotor, even at wind speeds close to rated; (ii) the energy dumped into the generator during braking is significant and can cause swift heating to high temperatures. Transient electrical effects can also lead to electrical and electronic component failures. Documented failures in machines of up to 10 kW indicate that it is the case that electrodynamic braking is not well understood throughout the industry. Additionally, the academic literature on the topic is sparse. In this paper, we show how very straightforward analysis can shed light on the edge cases for electrodynamic brake systems and help to avoid expensive errors.