Abstract: The assembly function constructed in variation analysis plays an important role during evaluation of dimensional quality of an assembly. The process of generating dimension chain does reflect the kernel of assembly function. A procedure to generate dimension chain utilizing a graph search algorithm is presented. An assembly joint chain model is built up combining the assembly process information such as joint types, assembly sequences and design constraints (e.g. key dimensions), and help dimension chain generation. The method can help designers efficiently evaluate design solutions of body structure.

Key words: Automobile body, Dimension chain, Graph theory, Variation analysis