This paper describes the development of parametric models for estimating operational reliability and maintainability (R&M) characteristics for reusable vehicle concepts, based on vehicle size and technology support level. A R&M analysis tool (RMAT) and response surface methods are utilized to build parametric approximation models for rapidly estimating operational R&M characteristics such as mi...

The design of experiments involving more than one blocking factor and quantitative explanatory variables is discussed, the focus being on two key aspects of blocked response surface designs: optimality and orthogonality. First, conditions for orthogonally blocked experiments are derived. Next, an algorithmic approach to computeD-optimal designs is presented. Finally, the relationships between d...

The problem of response surface modeling of limit surface lying within two hyper spheres of prescribed radii is considered. The relevance of this problem in structural reliability analysis involving performance functions with multiple design points and/or multiple regions that make significant contributions to failure probability is discussed. The paper also proposes global measures of sensitiv...

Burnishing is a method of finishing and hardening machined parts by plastic deformation of the surface. Experimental work based on central composite second order rotatable design has been carried out on a lathe machine to establish the effects of ball burnishing parameters on the surface roughness of brass material. Analysis of the results by the analysis of variance technique and the F-test sh...

The present work reports the electrochemical machining (ECM) of the aluminium-silicon alloy/boron carbide (Al-Si /B4C) composites, fabricated by stir casting process with different weight % of B4C particles. The influence of four machining parameters including applied voltage, electrode feed rate, electrolyte concentration and percentage of reinforcement on the responses surface roughness (SR) ...