Main Body Material Decision Matrix (1-5, Bad-Great)

Criteria: Weight Aluminum PVC ABS

Cost: 20% 2 4 4
Strength: 50% 5 0 0
Safety: 30% 5 1 1
Total 100% 4.4 1.1 1.1

This Decision Matrix uses the rating of 1-5, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best rating for that
category. Cost was rated at 20% because safety and strength were regarded as more important in
my mind. Strength was rated at 50% because if it can’t withstand the forces with a safety factor,
can it be trusted to be used on the ski while a family member is operating it. This is also the
reason as to why safety was rated at 30%. Aluminum was rated at high numbers because it had
no problem withstanding the stresses found in the solid works analysis. This meant it was strong
and thus safe. Aluminum is however more expensive than ABS or PVC, so it was rated less in
that section. PVC and ABS were rated zero for the strength and safety because it exceeded the
allowable stress for the materials used. It may have worked without the safety factor, but it
cannot be trusted on a windy day. Aluminum is chosen for this component.