The overall goal of the proposed research, jointly proposed by Purdue University and Michigan State University is to improve the production process planning and facility layout design through a "Whole House and Building Process Redesign" approach. The main objectives in support of the stated goal include, developing an optimal production process model for manufactured housing that would resolve the production bottlenecks identified through previous NSF-PATH research; developing innovative design alternatives for factory layout; simulating the facility layout alternatives based on the optimal process model to identify the optimal facility layout(s); and investigating radical and innovative changes in the production system and the house design itself that would integrate advanced technology and innovative design into the production system and identify progressive avenues for future research and advancements. The research results will be developed as a continuing education program for the industry and will be disseminated in conjunction with industry partners. The proposed research has a direct focus on the 3rd milestone identified by the PATH technology road-map "Whole House and building process redesign". Furthermore, if the broader definition of the proposed research is taken into account then it will also substantially affect the 1st milestone, i.e. application of information technology in housing. This research would have a significant impact on both criteria 1 and 2 through integration of research & education (criterion-1) and in integrating diversity into the research process (criterion-2).

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0229856
Program Officer
Perumalsamy N. Balaguru
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2002-09-15
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$269,998
Indirect Cost
Name
Purdue University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
West Lafayette
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
47907