Mass management/engineering

Mass management, also known as mass engineering, is a critical process in the development and manufacture of products, particularly in aerospace, automotive and other engineering disciplines. It goes far beyond simply collecting and tracking mass data and involves actively influencing mass status to ensure that a product achieves its performance, safety and efficiency goals.

Collecting and tracking data

Collecting and tracking mass data is the first step in mass management. This process includes:

Data acquisition

• Mass measurementsRegular measurements of the masses of components, subsystems and the entire system.
• Determining the center of gravityDetermining the center of gravity to understand the balance and stability of the product.
• Documentation:Systematic documentation of all mass data, including historical data and changes over time.

Data analysis

• Trend analysisAnalysis of mass data to identify trends and predict future developments.
• Deviation analysisIdentification of deviations between the actual masses and the target values in order to recognize potential problems at an early stage.

Reporting:

• Mass status reportsRegular reports showing the current mass status in relation to the targets.
• VisualizationUse of diagrams and graphics to visualize the mass data and facilitate communication with the project participants.

Actively influencing the mass status

Actively influencing mass status is the key step in ensuring that a product achieves its mass and performance targets. This process includes:

Design optimization

• Lightweight constructionUse of lightweight materials and optimized designs to reduce mass.
• Topology optimizationUse of advanced design methods to identify and remove unnecessary bulk.

Material selection

• Advanced materialsSelection of materials with optimal properties to minimize weight and maximize performance.
• Material substitutionReplacement of heavy materials with lighter alternatives without compromising structural integrity.

Process optimization

• Manufacturing processesOptimization of production processes to improve material utilization and reduce waste.
• Quality controlStrict quality controls to ensure that the actual mass corresponds to the planned values.

Risk management

• Risk identification:Identification of risks that could lead to an increase in mass and development of strategies to minimize risks.
• Utilization of opportunitiesActive search and utilization of opportunities to reduce mass and improve performance.

Cooperation with suppliers

• InnovationsClose cooperation with suppliers to develop innovative solutions that reduce mass.
• SpecificationsClear communication of mass targets and requirements to suppliers to ensure that delivered components meet requirements.

Importance of mass management

• PerformanceEffective mass management helps to optimize the performance of a product by ensuring that mass and focus targets are met.
• SecurityControl of mass and center of gravity ensures the safety of the product by ensuring structural integrity and stability.
• Cost controlOptimized mass management can reduce costs by minimizing material and production costs.
• EfficiencyReducing the mass improves the efficiency of the product, resulting in lower energy consumption and an improved environmental footprint.

In summary, mass management is a comprehensive process that encompasses both the collection and tracking of mass data and the active influencing of mass status. Through effective mass management, products can be developed that achieve their performance, safety and efficiency goals while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.