Knowledge-based cost modelling of composite wing structures

Abstract

Abstract\n The progressive industrialization of composite-built aircraft is putting manufacturing engineers on a steep learning curve. An opportunity exists to use knowledge management tools to capture, share and reuse knowledge over multiple aircraft programs and maintain the constant flow of learning gained during aircraft program delivery. This paper reports on research to develop a knowledge-based cost modelling capability for composite part concept evaluation. The approach integrates a knowledge management environment with a process-based cost estimation tool encoded in very large spreadsheets. In order to achieve this, the complexity of the cost model is managed by modularizing it into simple, re-useable components. The knowledge management environment is then used to manage the knowledge lifecycle, knowledge exploitation and knowledge visibility of those components. The result is a flexible cost modeling tool composed of traceable, verifiable and reliable knowledge elements that provides through-life knowledge support for cost engineering. Validation is achieved through functional application of the solution for composite wing top cover cost modelling.