DeMaMech: EU-Japan Collaboration in Higher Education Student Exchange Program

Offer of Research Topics

Offer from	University	The University of Tokyo
	Faculty/Department/Institute	Faculty of Engineering, Department of Precision Engineering
	Group Name	Life Cycle Engineering and Computer-Aided Technology
Research Theme		Product Life Cycle Management based on Life Cycle Simulation
Brief Explanation		For achieving environmentally conscious production and usage of consumers’ products, it is essential to realize efficient product life cycle management throughout the total product life cycle, particularly in usage and maintenance/reuse/recycle/disposal stages. In this study, various methods of life cycle management is investigated, such as redesign of existing products, utilization of product tracking/monitoring, etc. Effectiveness of life cycle management is evaluated by life cycle simulation. Case study will be made for electronic appliances and automobiles.
Research Steps		1. Literature survey (one month) 2. Developing a scheme for life cycle management (one/two months) 3. Detailed design of a life cycle management system for case study (one/two months) 4. Simulation of a proposed life cycle management system by use of simulation tools (one/three months) 5. Analysis of simulation results (one/two month)
Period		5 months, but can be preferably extended as a 10-month project, for conducting comprehensive simulation study.
Necessary Background, Knowledge, Skills		Fundamental knowledge about product design, manufacturing systems. Interest about environmental issues. Some computer programming skills. If necessary, some references can be specified.
Further Information		http://www.cim.pe.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~kimura
Contact Person		Prof. Fumihiko Kimura (kimura@cim.pe.u-tokyo.ac.jp)