Abstract:
New design solutions for heavy mechanical systems arc generally developed based on
similar historical designs. However. new solution requirements hardly ever match exactly
with a historical design. Historical designs thus have to be altered or design modules from
different past designs combined together in order to develop an acceptable design
solutionis. The general agreement among researchers is that design reuse is an imprecise
and error-prone activity. There are many technical problems associated with the design
reuse process. Most of the technical problems (risks) are not apparent during the
conceptual design stage. but can materialise during detailed design stage. manufacturing.
installation or while in service.
