This paper presents a unitary methodology for the system and structural analysis of an automobile vehicle. The methodology is applied to the spatial mechanisms that make up the automobile vehicle. Elements of the parallel constructive-functional analysis are presented, revealing significant design particularities. This work is an attempt to develop a computationally simple and efficient analytical method of system design applicable to automobile vehicles, associated with graph theory, matrix method and variable permanent function (VPF) by considering the various sub-systems, components, their interdependence and connectivities of the automobile vehicle. This method is meant for characterization, analysis, identification and comparison of the automobile system. This evaluation leads to selection/identification of an optimum structural design of the automobile system. This system analysis is extended to the sub-system analysis and to the component level. It is possible to go from system to component level following a 'top-down' approach or from component level to system using a 'bottom-up' approach, thereby the overall structural analysis is carried out thoroughly. To explain the methodology, an automobile car is taken as an illustrative example and analysed. (A)
Abstract