Readings

The following readings in the textbooks are assigned for particular class sessions. Several supplemental readings are also distributed to students during the term.

[AD] Suh, N. P. Axiomatic Design: Advances and Applications. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 9780195134667.

[CT] ———. Complexity: Theory and Applications. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN: 9780195178760.

Lec # Topics readings
1-3 Introduction to Axiomatic Design AD, Chapter 1
4 Information Content and Robustness AD, Chapter 2
5 Information Content (cont.)

Project Discussion

6-7 Multi-FR Design AD, Chapter 3
8-9 Information Content (cont.)

10 Exam 1

11-12 Design of Systems AD, Chapter 4
13 Guest Lecture AD, Chapter 5
14 Design of Manufacturing Systems AD, Chapter 6
15 Axiomatic Design of Manufacturing Systems

Case Study - Complex System Design (NASA / Project)

AD, Chapter 6
16 Complexity I

Project Discussion

CT, Chapter 1
17-18 Complexity II CT, Chapter 3
19 Complexity Review CT, Chapters 4, 5, and 6
20 Reduction of Complexity with Geometric Functional Periodicity CT, Chapter 7
21 Reduction of Complexity in Materials through Functional Periodicity

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CT, Chapter 8
22 Complexity of Socio-Economic Political Systems: Application of Functional Periodicity CT, Chapter 10
23 Cost Engineering in Axiomatic Design

24 Exam 2

25 Project Presentations

Supplemental Readings

Stachel, J. “1905 and all that.” Nature 433 (January 20, 2005): 215-217.

Barrow, J. D. “Einstein as an Icon.” Nature 433 (January 20, 2005): 218-219.

Parisi, G. “Brownian Motion.” Nature 433 (January 20, 2005): 221.

Various authors. “A theory of everything.” Nature 433 (January 20, 2005): 257-259.

Lipson, H., J. B. Pollack, and N. P. Suh. “On the Origin of Modular Variation.” Evolution 56, no. 8 (August 2002): 1549-1556.

Sohlenius, Gunnar. “Systemic Nature of the Industrial Innovation Process: Contribution to a Philosophy of Industrial Engineering.” PhD Thesis. Tampere, Finland: Tampere University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, 2005.

Course Info

As Taught In
Spring 2005
Level