An Analytical Method for Integrating Environmental and Traditional Design Considerations

Designing products for reduced environmental impact and improved performance requires that a diverse range of characteristics be considered. Such tradeoffs require a practicable method for combining specialized tools into an integrated analytical system. The paper describes how an integrated design tool can be constructed from modules which correspond to different aspects of the problem, such as geometry, materials and mathematical subproblems. An electronics housing design example (subject to electromagnetic, heat transfer, environmental and cost considerations) illustrates the use of the design methodology. The tool is then used to demonstrate the ability to investigate and understand interactions between different design goals.