Research on evolving rule of part relation network of product family and its application

Applying complex network theory to part relation of product family, a part relation network of product family is built. In-degree and out-degree bi-logarithmic coordinate distribution curves of the network are drawn. Evolving rule of the network is proposed, dynamic equations of both in-degree and out-degree are built and analytical result of in-degree’s probability density distribution function is derived. The reason why the out-degree distribution curve deflecting from a power law is analysed, evolving rule of out-degree is simulated through numerical simulation method, and numerical simulation result is obtained. Applying in-degree evolving rule to mass customization field. Relation between existent component kinds and existent product number is analysed, an expression of relation between component kinds and product number is obtained. A forecast method of increment of components and parts based on the increment of product is presented. As an example, the forecast method was applied to an industry steam turbine product family, and use number of all parts is forecasted, forecast error is analyzed and the forecast method is verified.