Multicriteria value analysis for polymer composites selection in automotive applications

Abstract

This study presents a tool for decision making called Multicriteria Value Analysis, used for selection of polymeric materials applied in automotive parts and components. The tool is built from the methodological framework of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to define a hierarchical structure of criteria based on the concept of value, and then establish the existing preferences among alternatives. Assuming that all possible alternatives should be polymers and composites which meet the preset quality specifications, sure there are differences between these alternatives, like: the rate of weight reduction, mechanical properties, costs material, environmental impacts, etc. Certainly, Multicriteria Decision Analysis methods are the most suitable in this case, because they provide us a holistic point of view of the decision problem. In the present study the methodological framework of Multicriteria Value Analysis is presented. The proposed criteria structure is validated by weighting them for a hypothetical case study.