Geometric Tolerancing in Mechanical Design Using Fractal-Based Parameters

Abstract

The submacrogeometric (tolerance) variations of mechanical components have an important impact on product function. The problem of combining tolerance assignment in engineering design with tolerance control in manufacturing and quality assurance presents a continuing challenge to researchers. This paper illustrates the feasibility of using fractal-based methods for the problem of tolerance specification in engineering design. Error data are generated as a function of the fractal dimension using the fractional Brownian motion model and are superposed on an ideal profile of a slider bearing. The consequent changes in performance parameters are studied and the detrimental effect of large variations perceived. This simple case study indicates the potential of the method to be extended for more complex problems.