A General Machine Component Design (or Selection) Process

Intended function(s) of
the element …! Functional Analysis
Modifying/ selecting existing
‘ideas’ (rarely innovation)
Generic Idea Selection &
decide Space Dimensions
Forces under Normal and Extreme
Conditions, working environment etc.

‘Feedback’ for +ve change(s)

Load/Force Analysis
Based on ‘application fitness’ i.e.
manufacturability, cost, availability
Selection of MoC

Based on ‘level of confidence’ on

load estimation, material properties, Determining FoS
and the ‘analysis’ to be applied

Stress/strain analysis for

Finding cross sectional dimensions
‘Cross Section’ synthesis
of the element’s using ‘appropriate
design criteria’ i.e. strength, rigidity,
wear, etc. … Specify/Draw component
‘Design Communication’ without with necessary details
ambiguity to get it ‘made’ or ‘bought’

Note:
 At every stage there is ‘decision making’…!
 There can be change at any stage through feedback to arrive at right
shape & size of the component.

Machine Component Design - S R Patel