A Graph Model for Optimization of Materials Selection Applied in Manufacturing of Heating Elements

摘要

The paper discusses a mathematical model that can be applied in selection of materials. The model is then illustrated for manufacturing process of heating elements. Electric heating elements are products where materials have to be analyzed from different points of view: mechanical, electrical, processing and manufacturing, thermal and corrosion resistance, so they are good candidates for testing mathematical models for selection of materials. In current applications, selection of materials relies on matrix methods, classical or graphs. Standard matrix methods involve logical decision, but are not completely objective and are difficult to apply when a large number of material properties are involved in decision process. Graphs are easier to apply even in the case of large number of properties of materials, remain a partially subjective method, but they are more efficient to implement if computers technology are used.