An application of the analytic network process in multiple criteria material selection

Using the Analytic Network Process (ANP), this article aims at presenting a new concept for multicriteria material selection by means of allowing feedback and interactions within and between sets of design criteria and alternatives. The approach and its advantages are discussed using a multicriteria material selection case study on non-metallic gears under multifunctional design requirements (thermal performance, mechanical performance, and weight). In particular, it is shown how the selection of material alternatives under different criteria can be viewed as a network problem, as opposed to a conventional hierarchical decision-making process. The effect of different weighting factors of criteria clusters on the final solution is also discussed.