Component Assembly Modeling Using Monte Carlo Simulation: Industry-Based Project

This paper describes an industry-based project in developing processes and tools to conduct Monte Carlo simulation in modeling and analysis of real industrial components. The tool used in the project is the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A random selection of part dimensions for 1000 assemblies of automotive torque converter is selected for the analysis. A probability distribution for each dimension is used to represent the expected values. The equations and the spreadsheet were developed by students in one semester time frame. The simulation work was performed in the other semester. This project gives students an integrated understanding of topics in statistics, tolerance analysis and manufacturing applications as well as the opportunity to be involved in an industrial project.