Design Approaches
Stages in Design
In all design assessments there are a number of stages that
must be undertaken in order to derive a satisfactory structure both in terms of
performance and cost. Inevitably there will be a number of options for the
engineer to consider which will result in the design being an iterative
procedure. Where a metal is the chosen material of construction it is likely
that, owing to the extensive knowledge of material properties, analysis methods
and fabrication techniques that are available, the number of stages in the
design will be reduced to a minimum. In composites, however, this will not be
the case and, with the level of technology as it now stands, due attention must
be given to each stage of the design process:
Design Approaches
There are a number of approaches that may be used for design;
the choice of which depends on the experience, data and resources available at
the time at which the assessment is made.
