Application of the multi-criteria decision making in the selection of materials of composite shaft

Abstract

Thanks to the outstanding combination of construction and special features such as high resistance and stiffness, increased wear resistance to fatigue, higher values of critical speeds, lower mass, long lifetime, and so on, today a growing number of shafts, especially in the automotive industry, are made of composite materials. The optimal values of these parameters can be obtained by selecting the appropriate material. The selection of materials in the process of product design requires efficient decision-making. Incorporating hybrid materials, in addition to providing the potential for improved performance, can make the decision-making process in the selection of material difficult. In this sense, the use of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) was used as an adequate tool and support for making optimum decisions. This method has the potential to improve practically all areas of decision making in engineering from design to product.