SPECIAL ISSUE PAPER 165 Aircraft design （特刊纸165飞机设计）.pdfVIP

SPECIAL ISSUE PAPER 165 Aircraft design innovation: creating an environment for creativity T M Young Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. email: trevor.young@ul.ie The manuscript was received on 26 June 2006 and was accepted after revision for publication on 16 October 2006. DOI: 10.1243AERO129 Abstract: Innovation in aeronautics has been investigated by exploring the factors that promote innovation (e.g. adversity, observation and curiosity, contests, grand challenges, collaboration, analysis tools, and knowledge bases) and the factors that inhibit innovation (e.g. limitations of simulation tools, absence of a creative environment, fear of failure, unwarranted criticism, and poor definition of success). These factors are discussed in an anecdotal, retrospective manner, with numerous historical examples cited. Innovation relies heavily on underdeveloped method- ologies and knowledge bases, generating immature technologies. The need to assess and manage the risks resulting from the incorporation of immature technologies in aircraft systems is an essential part of the innovation process. Risk management, in terms of risk assessment (using technology readiness levels) and risk characterization, is presented at an introductory level. Keywords: innovation, creativity, risk, technology readiness level 1 INTRODUCTION industry matured, fewer and fewer new designs emerged [1]. Derivative configurations with com- 1.1 Historical perspective of