DATUM SELECTION FOR AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE DESIGN

Abstract

Appropriate datum definition and assembly of the product play a vital role in the product’s manufacturing, performance, quality, and cost. Inappropriate datum definition will inevitability lead to design revision business opportunity and increased production cost by means of rework. Despite the existence of numerous ISO and ASME standard on communicating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), there is hardly any theoretical resource for helping designers in implementing GD&T. Consequently, designers often create inconsistent and incomplete tolerance charts that are non-optimal if not incorrect. This research first reviews state of the art in a selection of optimum datums in mechanical assemblies, especially for the aerospace industry. Then it identifies and analyses the best practices and solutions in general in product design and manufacturing. Then a design guide is devised utilising the lessons learned. Finally, the new design guide is validated through a case study highlighting its benefits through achieving more robust datum definition.