Abstract: To satisfy the requirements of technological comparison and evaluation during aircraft automatic join-assembly, a methodology of optimal selection for certain type airplane is proposed. Calculation procedures as well as simplified models for effectiveness function, cost function and effectiveness-cost ratio are described by utilizing the assembly examples in database as the data source. Based on nonparametric statistical method, independence test of 2-way contingency table is introduced to analyze the correlation between technological routine and technological performance. Then optimal selection and solution of technological routine is realized through Wilcoxon rank-sum test. To reduce the influence of random factors, fuzz cluster procedure is introduced. Thus optimal selection and solution of technology of typical example sets is realized. The application instance indicates that statistical conclusions can be deduced from historical data by using this method and the objective is to select a superior assembly technology, obtain assembly knowledge, control assembly cost, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of aircraft assembly.

Key words: Aircraft, Cost function, Effectiveness function, Join-assembly, Nonparametric statistical method, Optimal selection of technology