Application of axiomatic design and design structure matrix to the decomposition of engineering systems

A design decomposition‐integration model, named COPE, is proposed in which Axiomatic Design Matrices (DM) map Functional Requirements to Design Parameters while Design Structure Matrices (DSM) provide structured representation of the system development context. In COPE, the DM and the DSM co‐evolve. Traversing between the two types of matrices allows for some control in the application of the system knowledge which surrounds the decision making process and the definition of the system architecture. It is argued that this approach describes better the design process of complex products which is constrained by the need to utilise existing manufacturing processes, to apply discrete technological innovations and to accommodate work‐share and supply chain agreements. Presented is an industrial case study which demonstrated the feasibility of the model. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 29–40, 2005