Structure-based System Dynamics analysis of engineering design processes

Abstract

Within this work a case study is presented in which the concept of structure-based System Dynamics analysis is applied to an engineering design process. The structure-based System Dynamics analysis approach uses structural Multiple-Domain Matrix models as a basis to derive System Dynamics models which are able depict the behavior of the engineering design processes. The implications from the behavioral models can be used to analyze and optimize the structure of the underlying process. The development of an e-bike sharing system within a student project was used as basis for the case study to answer the question if the structure-based System Dynamics analysis approach can be successfully applied to model the behavior of the observed engineering design process. Based on the definition of this initial research question, the instruments to conduct the case are developed, the data is gathered and consequently analyzed. The simulation results of the engineering design process are presented, compared to the real process and finally discussed. Thereby benefits, challenges and further areas of research are identified.