Compare options against weighted criteria.
A trade study compares design alternatives against weighted criteria (cost, mass, performance, risk, schedule) using decision matrices, utility functions and sensitivity analysis to select a preferred concept transparently. Document assumptions and revisit when information changes.
Choosing between lithium-ion and fuel-cell power for a UAV.
Trade studies compare design options against weighted criteria, which makes decisions transparent and defensible.
Compare options against weighted criteria.
Trade studies compare design options against weighted criteria, which makes decisions transparent and defensible.
A table where each option is scored against criteria and the scores are multiplied by weights to give a total for comparison.
Yes. Choosing criteria and weights strongly affects the result, so they should be agreed before scoring and tested for sensitivity.
Typical applications include choosing between a battery and a fuel cell for a backup unit using weighted criteria, selecting a material for a bracket based on cost, weight and manufacturability and comparing three suppliers for a sensor on price, quality and delivery.
Study "Requirements and traceability" first (topic 76 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Weighted-sum matrix. Pugh matrix. Sensitivity of rankings.
Choosing between lithium-ion and fuel-cell power for a UAV.
The next topic is "Modelling and simulation", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 77 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.
Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.