Application of value-driven design to commercial aero-engine systems

Value-Driven Design provides a framework to enhance the systems engineering processes for the design of large systems. By employing economics in decision making, Value-Driven Design enables rational decision making in terms of the optimum business and technical solution at every level of engineering design. This paper explains the application of Value-Driven Design to the aero-engine system through two case studies, which were conducted through workshops under the Rolls-Royce plc Advanced Cost Modeling Methodologies project. The Surplus Value Theory was utilized to provide a metric that can trade-off component designs with changes in continuous and discrete design variables. Illustrative results are presented to demonstrate how the methodology and modeling approach can be used to evaluate designs and select the value-enhancing solution. © 2010 by the authors. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.