Product Design Analysis with Regard to Recycling and Selected Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The design process is a complex task in which different goals and properties have to be achieved. Nowadays, end-of-life issues are increasingly being considered in addition to typical design properties such as durability, appearance or quality. This article presents the product design process in relation to its recycling and mechanical properties. A plate connection in two design versions was chosen as the product: in the form of a multi-bolted connection and a multi-riveted connection. An analysis was conducted for several variants of these connections. Recycling properties were considered using various measures calculated from the Recycling Product Model, a type of product model that includes its recycling properties. Selected mechanical properties were determined using the Finite Element Method. Removing one bolt from the connection resulted in a stiffness reduction of almost 11%, while removing two bolts from the connection resulted in a stiffness reduction of almost 26%. In contrast, the removal of one rivet from the connection led to a stiffness reduction of about 3%, while the removal of two rivets from the connection led to a stiffness reduction of less than 5%.