4. Selection procedure

4.1 Materials selection

We look first at the performance index method, which enables materials to be compared objectively, then at its graphical implementation using selection maps, and finally at the difficult problem of multi-constraint, multi-objective selections.

4.1.1 Performance indices

As already mentioned, the selection procedure can only be iterative and, given the complexity of the problem, there can be no question of a purely deductive, linear procedure. On the other hand, it is useful...