Towards the Development of an Eco-Design Approach for Aircraft Components

This paper presents a comprehensive approach aimed at optimizing the design of aircraft components from a cradle-to-grave sustainability perspective. Central to this approach is a rigorous sustainability assessment, which evaluates environmental, cost, and performance criteria using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method. Environmental criteria are derived through a Life Cycle Assessment, while cost criteria are determined via Life Cycle Costing, both facilitated by the SimaPro software. Performance is evaluated in terms of mass and specific stiffness. To account for the complex relationship of these criteria, objective weighting methods are employed to determine the weights for each criterion. The methodology is applied to a case study of a fuselage panel. By maximizing the sustainability of the component, optimal designs—considering material selection, component thickness, and manufacturing methods—are identified to minimize environmental impact, reduce costs, and enhance performance.