**10. Design structure matrix (DSM)**

This section assesses the methodology of the design structure matrix in terms of modularity and structural complexity. The design structure matrix for three product families to be developed will be used for comparison of the different architectures. The three models are:


The main advantage in mapping out these architectures is to provide a platform to overlay modules and individual parts on the design structure. This ultimately may explain how the different architectures contribute to the product development process through interactions.

The design structure matrix is conceptualized with the modules to provide the means to approach complexity and connectivity between the teams accountable for the design and fabrication of the engine parts. The method in which the design structure matrix was generated is considered in system level decomposition, applicable to all platforms equally. Engine parts selected were dependent upon its functional representation in the system.

In the design structure of the matrix, multiple parts and stages per module were simplified to one. Repetitive units in the system do not add design complexity and hence are not included. Having identified parts significant to the system architecture, relationship of part-to-part components were populated using value mapping and encoding scheme. In **Table 2**, the outlined blocks indicate the 5 modules found by applying the modularity metric. In **Table 3**, the outlined blocks indicate the 16 modules found by applying the modularity metric. In **Table 4**, the outlined blocks indicate the 5 modules found by applying the modularity metric.
