ABSTRACT
In the automotive sector, the selection of the most suitable materials for vehicle panels is crucial for achieving improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, particularly with the use of lighter materials. Currently, a broad spectrum of materials is available in the market, making the choice of a specific material for specific applications a complex and challenging task. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques have been shown to be effective in addressing such complex decision-making scenarios. Consequently, this research paper employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by similarity to Ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodologies to facilitate a systematic and comprehensive material selection process for automobile panels. The study considers ten different materials, each with five distinct characteristics, taking into account various criteria and their relative importance. This approach aids in making informed decisions when selecting materials for automotive panels, thereby enhancing product quality, cost-efficiency, and overall performance. AHP and TOPSIS procedures are applied with the pre-determined weights to calculate the performance scores. Based on the performance scores obtained from AHP and TOPSIS, it is observed that flax fiber is the most suitable panel material among the options considered.
