Cost modeling for composite structure fabrication and its code development

The primary objective of this paper is to develop the cost estimation software for composite fabrication based on the existing cost models. On the basis of the manufacturing process-based cost modeling，a cost estimation code was developed by using software Delphi and SQL server. The fundamental features，time scaling laws and complexity scaling of the cost modeling were discussed in detail. Moreover，the product complexity scaling factor defined by previous researchers was improved to characterize the complexity of products by introducing a curvature entropy concept. The whole scheme and flow of the cost estimation code were proposed，and the cost database management was established. The cost of a simple curved composite part was evaluated using the developed code. The costs of two kinds of ailerons manufactured with advanced composite and traditional metal materials were also estimated. The results indicate that the manufacturing cost of the composite aileron is lower than that of the metal aileron because of using the low-cost process and integrated design concept.