In the preliminary stage of engineering design, descriptions of design elements are often imprecise. In this paper, imprecision is represented using fuzzy numbers. Calculation based on fuzzy weighted average is performed to produce the ratings among design alternatives. Alternatives then proceed to the more detailed design stage in the fuzzy rating order. This method provides a tool for design automation at a higher abstract level. This is demonstrated in the bearing selection case study where imprecise linguistic description of a design problem in a manner similar to human language can be accommodated.
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