Material selection for design of powered hand truck using TOPSIS

Selection of materials in engineering design have vital role. Choice of relevant material for a particular product is a major task for designers. In this paper we are using multi criteria decision making (MCDM) TOPSIS tool for selecting the material for the designing of powered hand truck. The suitable five materials (SS 304, AISI 1010, AISI 1020, Al 6061-T6, Al 5052-O) are taken into consideration, and with the attributes of the five material properties as well as characteristics (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, density, affordability, machinability) are considered for analysis purpose. The attribute weights are computed using entropy method. Sensitivity analysis for TOPSIS is done so that it can contribute effectively for making accurate decisions. SAW method is also used to verify the end results. As per the analysis, AISI 1020 is a more suitable material and hence chosen for designing and fabrication of powered hand truck.