Conducting Pugh Method-based Trade Studies during Product Development: The case of evaluating Turbofan versus Turboprop versus Piston Engine Alternatives for UAVs: The case of evaluating turbofan versus turboprop versus piston versus other engine alternatives for uavs

This article provides a comprehensive, yet succinct, practical introduction to structured decision making based on the Pugh Method, in the context of using the NASA process for conducting a trade study evaluating Unmanned Arial Vehicle engine alternatives during the early stages of design. The approach involves an iterative process of adding to and reducing concepts under consideration, as experts on development teams discuss their areas of agreement and differences, gather information, share new insights, and clarify fine points about decision criteria. A case example illustrates techniques for framing a decision; identifying initial and follow-on, alternative solutions and evaluative criteria; comparing the alternative solutions on the criteria; and utilizing multiple, iterative runs of the Pugh Method to achieve controlled convergence on a best design concept and conduct sensitivity analysis to verify repeatability of the selection. The concurrent completion of the decision-making and creative processes produces synergies and prevents premature closure of ideation. The ultimate outcomes are controlled convergence on a best design concept and a shared understanding of the reasons for the team’s consensus.