Evaluation and Selection of Design Solutions for a Small Laboratory Tensile Testing Device under a Type 2 Fuzzy Environment

Abstract

In this research, evaluating and selecting design solutions for a small laboratory tensile testing device is stated as a multi-criteria, decision analysis problem, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Fuzzy ratings of criteria values are provided by managers, students, and potential customers. Their assessments are described using linguistic expressions modelled by type 2 triangular fuzzy numbers. The ranking of various design solutions for the small laboratory tensile testing devices is carried out by applying the proposed two-stage fuzzy model. In the first stage, the weight vector is calculated by using Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation, which is extended with type 2 triangular fuzzy numbers. The ranking of small laboratory tensile testing device design solutions is obtained by applying the proposed Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution with type 2 triangular fuzzy numbers. The proposed two-stage fuzzy model is tested on real-life data, originating from an industrial company, operating in the Republic of Serbia. By applying the proposed methodology, the best design solutions for the small laboratory tensile testing devices are selected in an exact manner. This solution is less burdened by subjective decision-makers' opinions, making it more accurate. In this way, the risk of diversification is reduced, while simultaneously enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the business in the long run.