Abstract: Automated systems for performing integrated analyses. In one embodiment, an integrated analysis system can be used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of changes in hardware configuration or operating conditions on gas turbine power plant performance and economics. The system evaluates these changes by concurrently analyzing a number of different aspects of the power plant while ensuring that the data used in each of the different analyses is consistent. These analyses can include turbine and compressor aerodynamic analysis, cooling and leakage flow analysis, heat transfer analysis, part life analysis, heat balance analysis, cost analysis and overall power plant performance and economic analysis.

Abstract: Automated systems for performing integrated analyses. In one embodiment, an integrated analysis system can be used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of changes in hardware configuration or operating conditions on gas turbine power plant performance and economics. The system evaluates these changes by concurrently analyzing a number of different aspects of the power plant while ensuring that the data used in each of the different analyses is consistent. These analyses can include turbine and compressor aerodynamic analysis, cooling and leakage flow analysis, heat transfer analysis, part life analysis, heat balance analysis, cost analysis and overall power plant performance and economic analysis.

Abstract: A method for assisting a user in selecting a design of experiment. The method includes obtaining a plurality of attributes associated with a plurality of experimental designs. A series of questions is presented to the user directed to objectives of the design of experiment. The user responds to the questions and one or more user-selected attributes are determined in response to the user's answers to the questions. The process selects or de-selects one or more of the experimental designs in response to the user-selected attributes and notifies the user of the selected experimental designs.

Abstract: A method for performing design trade-off. A plurality of critical to quality parameters corresponding to features of the design are obtained. A plurality of design specifications, each design specification corresponding to one of the critical to quality parameters, are also obtained. A plurality of designs are obtained where each design includes a plurality of design values and each design value corresponds to one of the critical to quality parameters. The design values are compared to the design specifications for each of the plurality of designs. A total score is generated for each design in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A product design tradeoff method is provided. A transfer function, which generates an output in response to an input is obtained. A type of optimization to be performed is identified and the input to the transfer function is perturbed in order to achieve the type of optimization identified. Output information representing the output of the transfer function is then generated to provide the user with the result of the optimization. Generating the output information comprises generating a sensitivity matrix. The sensitivity matrix comprises a plurality of sensitivity values that indicates a relationship between a change in input versus a change in output, wherein each of the sensitivity values provides a corresponding numerical value for comparing an effect of the change in the input versus the change in the output.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for performing quality function deployment for a system having a plurality of levels. The method includes obtaining a plurality of first level critical to quality parameters and obtaining a plurality of first level key control parameters. A first level quality matrix is generated identifying an effect at least one first level key control parameter has on at least one first level critical to quality parameter. The first level key control parameters are arranged into a first group and a second group. A second level quality matrix is generated for the first group. The second level quality matrix includes second level critical to quality parameters corresponding to the first group of first level key control parameters and a second level key control parameter. The second level quality matrix identifies an effect said second level key control parameter has on at least one second level critical to quality parameter.

Abstract: A method of generating quality matrices indicating a relationship between critical to quality characteristics and key control parameters for levels of a process. A plurality of rows of a first matrix are designated as critical to quality characteristics and a plurality of columns of the first matrix are designated as key control parameters. Each critical to quality characteristic is assigned a critical to quality weight. An interaction weight is assigned between at least one critical to quality characteristic and at least one key control parameter. A score is then generated for at least one key control parameter in response to said critical to quality weight and said interaction weight.

Abstract: A system for implementing a design for six sigma process having a plurality of sub-processes each having a plurality of sub-steps. The system includes an independent main application for implementing the design for six sigma process. A series of independent sub-process applications each implements one sub-process of the design for six sigma process. A tool library containing a plurality of executable tools is accessible by the main application and sub-process applications to access and execute the plurality of executable tools. A communications path interconnects the main application, the sub-process applications, and the tool library.