A Feature-based CAD-LCA Software Integration Approach for Eco-design

Abstract

LCA is considered as a useful aiding tool for eco-design. However, Major obstacles hindering the employment of LCA to product eco-design include inefficiency in life cycle related data collection and difficulties in interpretation of LCA results into engineer's knowledge field. Though product CAD models are very useful, they cannot be used directly for LCA modeling and analysis, concerning the discrepancy in the principles of the utilized methodological approaches of CAD and LCA. This study aims to propose a CAD-LCA software integration approach based on feature technology. Two types of features, the Product Feature (PF) and Operation Feature (OF), for life cycle representation are proposed first. Then, a NX Unigraphics plug-in tool for PF extraction is developed. Also, a feature-based LCA system prototype tool which has the capabilities of processing product feature models, generating the life cycle process model based on product-to-operation feature mapping and performing LCI and impact assessment is proposed. This tool offers an effective way of life cycle related data integration, LCA result interpretation and application to sustainable product design. A stepped shaft LCA case study is then presented to demonstrate the proposed approach.