Life Cycle Simulation System for Life Cycle Process Planning

To realize closed loop manufacturing, it is essential to design product life cycles and to plan life cycle processes property. Life cycle simulation has been recognized as an effective tool in this direction. In this paper, we present a life cycle simulation system developed as a general tool for life cycle design and management. The system includes functions for modelling and controlling each life cycle process in a flexible manner. The system maintains usage history of products and parts independently taking the reuse of parts into account. Examples of the simulation are shown for both a rapid life cycle scenario and for a part sharing scenario over the product generations.