Work

Spectral Characterization of Hierarchical Modularity in Product Architectures1

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the importance of the architectural modularity of products and systems, existing modularity metrics or algorithms do not account for overlapping and hierarchically embedded modules. This paper presents a graph theoretic spectral approach to characterize the degree of modular hierarchical-overlapping organization in the architecture of products and complex engineered systems. It is shown that the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix of a product architecture graph can reveal layers of hidden modular or hierarchical modular organization that are not immediately visible in the predefined architectural description. We use the approach to analyze and discuss several design, management, and system resilience implications for complex engineered systems.

Source: Journal of Mechanical Design

DOI: 10.1115/1.4025490

Authors: Somwrita Sarkar, Andy Dong, James A. Henderson, P. A. Robinson

Institution: The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Product Development and Customization

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W1983702429

FWCI: 15.52

Cites: 43

Cited by: 58

Related to: 10