Ishak M.F., Hanapiah A.H., Idris N.Z., Rijaluidin M.S, and Deen M.R.
Mechanical Journal, January 2024
LANDING TIME OF BOTTLE PARACHUTE:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FULL FACTORIAL AND
TAGUCHI
Muhammad Faiz bin Ishak1, Azlin Hanim Mohd Hanapiah2, Nurzarifah Zakirah binti
Idris3, Muhammad Syazwan bin Rijaluidin4 and Muhammad Ridzwan Ali bin Jamal
Deen5
1,2,3,4,5
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
81310 UTM Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Email: ; ;
3
; ;
5
ABSTRACT
This study examines the reliability of bottle parachutes through the utilisation of Taguchi
Experimental Design (TED) and Full Factorial Design (FFD). The selected output
parameter is the landing time. The independent input variables consist of the material type,
surface area (cm2), length of rope (cm), and weight of the bottle (g). Each of these variables
has two different levels. A full factorial design consisting of 8 (23) tests was conducted, and
the time of landing was recorded. Next, the 'whole 8-array' is partitioned into four sub-
arrays, each possessing the 'orthogonality property-OP' as defined by the Taguchi L8 array.
The performance of each sub-array is evaluated through the utilisation of analysis of means
(ANOM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and then compared to the FFD one. The data
analysis conducted in this study demonstrates that the Taguchi design is suitable for
evaluating a strategic and efficient design decision.
Keywords: Taguchi design, Full factorial design, statistical tool, bottle parachute,
systematic
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the field of quality engineering, the effectiveness and accuracy of design choices are
crucial in deciding the outcome of a product. This study focuses on examining the landing
timings in bottle parachute tests, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and
dependability of aerial systems. The design of bottle parachutes incorporates various
elements, including the type of materials used, the surface area of the parachutes, the length
of the rope, and the weight of the bottle. The earlier work on parachute design and
aeroelasticity has recognised the importance of these parameters in influencing landing
times. Traditional complete factorial designs have been commonly used to examine such
systems. However, the use of Taguchi methods has attracted interest due to their capacity
to optimise experimental resources and improve the efficiency of design assessments. This
research enhances the field by conducting a comparative analysis between full factorial and
Taguchi methodologies, with the goal of determining the most efficient approach for
assessing the landing time of bottle parachutes. This study aims to enhance current
understanding and offer valuable insights into the use of experimental design approaches
1
, Ishak M.F., Hanapiah A.H., Idris N.Z., Rijaluidin M.S, and Deen M.R.
Mechanical Journal, January 2024
for effective decision-making in quality engineering. It accomplishes this by conducting a
thorough examination of pertinent literature.
Design of experiments (DOE) is a methodical approach used to establish the correlation
between elements that influence a process and its resulting output. The DOE approach
typically consists of two main types: full factorial design (FFD) and fractional factorial
design, commonly known as Taguchi Experimental Design (TED). FFD design involves
testing all possible combinations of parameter levels to analyse the outcomes. Conversely,
the TED fractional factorial design employs only a specific portion of the levels for analysis.
Taguchi orthogonal arrays are utilised in the fractional factorial design of experiments in
robust design. Several scholars utilised full and fractional factorial design of experiments
(DOE) methodologies in their studies. Therefore, it is essential to carefully choose the
suitable design to decide the experimental runs and achieve the required results.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Design of Experiment
This study aims to optimize the landing time of a bottle parachute. The research
utilizes a comparative method, employing both a 2x3 Full Factorial Design and a 2x4 L8
Orthogonal Array Taguchi Method. The factors taken into account comprise [A] Material
Type (Plastic [-], Parchment Paper [+]), [B] Surface Area (46𝑐𝑚2 [-], 53𝑐𝑚2 [+]), [C]
Length of Rope (30cm [-], 60cm[+]), and, for the Taguchi Method, [D] Weight of Bottle
(100g [-], 150g [+]). The fixed parameters consist of an 8-meter drop height and the bottle's
dimensions, while the impact of wind conditions is considered negligible. The experimental
design outlines the precise levels of factors and their combinations that will be evaluated.
The methodology encompasses a methodical process of gathering data, taking into
account controllable variables to guarantee dependable outcomes. Statistical analysis
encompasses the construction of ANOVA tables, main effects plots, and regression models
for the Full Factorial Design. On the other hand, the Taguchi Method comprises the
computation of Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratios. The findings will be showcased through the
utilization of tables, graphs, and charts, emphasizing significant variables and
interconnections that impact the duration of landing. The discussion will analyse the
findings, comparing the outcomes from both designs and addressing any unforeseen effects
or constraints. The report will offer suggestions for improving landing time based on the
analyses conducted. It will also include a summary of significant discoveries, suggested
areas for future research, and acknowledgments for contributions to the project.
Table 1: Summarized Design of Experiment for Full Factorial Design
- Plastic
A Material Type
+ Parchment Paper
- 46 cm2
Factors B Surface Area
53 cm2
+
- 30 cm
C Length of Rope
+ 60 cm
Response Landing Time (seconds)
Replicates (n) 3
Drop Height 8 meters
Fixed Parameters Material of the Bottle Plastic
2
Mechanical Journal, January 2024
LANDING TIME OF BOTTLE PARACHUTE:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FULL FACTORIAL AND
TAGUCHI
Muhammad Faiz bin Ishak1, Azlin Hanim Mohd Hanapiah2, Nurzarifah Zakirah binti
Idris3, Muhammad Syazwan bin Rijaluidin4 and Muhammad Ridzwan Ali bin Jamal
Deen5
1,2,3,4,5
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
81310 UTM Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Email: ; ;
3
; ;
5
ABSTRACT
This study examines the reliability of bottle parachutes through the utilisation of Taguchi
Experimental Design (TED) and Full Factorial Design (FFD). The selected output
parameter is the landing time. The independent input variables consist of the material type,
surface area (cm2), length of rope (cm), and weight of the bottle (g). Each of these variables
has two different levels. A full factorial design consisting of 8 (23) tests was conducted, and
the time of landing was recorded. Next, the 'whole 8-array' is partitioned into four sub-
arrays, each possessing the 'orthogonality property-OP' as defined by the Taguchi L8 array.
The performance of each sub-array is evaluated through the utilisation of analysis of means
(ANOM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and then compared to the FFD one. The data
analysis conducted in this study demonstrates that the Taguchi design is suitable for
evaluating a strategic and efficient design decision.
Keywords: Taguchi design, Full factorial design, statistical tool, bottle parachute,
systematic
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the field of quality engineering, the effectiveness and accuracy of design choices are
crucial in deciding the outcome of a product. This study focuses on examining the landing
timings in bottle parachute tests, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and
dependability of aerial systems. The design of bottle parachutes incorporates various
elements, including the type of materials used, the surface area of the parachutes, the length
of the rope, and the weight of the bottle. The earlier work on parachute design and
aeroelasticity has recognised the importance of these parameters in influencing landing
times. Traditional complete factorial designs have been commonly used to examine such
systems. However, the use of Taguchi methods has attracted interest due to their capacity
to optimise experimental resources and improve the efficiency of design assessments. This
research enhances the field by conducting a comparative analysis between full factorial and
Taguchi methodologies, with the goal of determining the most efficient approach for
assessing the landing time of bottle parachutes. This study aims to enhance current
understanding and offer valuable insights into the use of experimental design approaches
1
, Ishak M.F., Hanapiah A.H., Idris N.Z., Rijaluidin M.S, and Deen M.R.
Mechanical Journal, January 2024
for effective decision-making in quality engineering. It accomplishes this by conducting a
thorough examination of pertinent literature.
Design of experiments (DOE) is a methodical approach used to establish the correlation
between elements that influence a process and its resulting output. The DOE approach
typically consists of two main types: full factorial design (FFD) and fractional factorial
design, commonly known as Taguchi Experimental Design (TED). FFD design involves
testing all possible combinations of parameter levels to analyse the outcomes. Conversely,
the TED fractional factorial design employs only a specific portion of the levels for analysis.
Taguchi orthogonal arrays are utilised in the fractional factorial design of experiments in
robust design. Several scholars utilised full and fractional factorial design of experiments
(DOE) methodologies in their studies. Therefore, it is essential to carefully choose the
suitable design to decide the experimental runs and achieve the required results.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Design of Experiment
This study aims to optimize the landing time of a bottle parachute. The research
utilizes a comparative method, employing both a 2x3 Full Factorial Design and a 2x4 L8
Orthogonal Array Taguchi Method. The factors taken into account comprise [A] Material
Type (Plastic [-], Parchment Paper [+]), [B] Surface Area (46𝑐𝑚2 [-], 53𝑐𝑚2 [+]), [C]
Length of Rope (30cm [-], 60cm[+]), and, for the Taguchi Method, [D] Weight of Bottle
(100g [-], 150g [+]). The fixed parameters consist of an 8-meter drop height and the bottle's
dimensions, while the impact of wind conditions is considered negligible. The experimental
design outlines the precise levels of factors and their combinations that will be evaluated.
The methodology encompasses a methodical process of gathering data, taking into
account controllable variables to guarantee dependable outcomes. Statistical analysis
encompasses the construction of ANOVA tables, main effects plots, and regression models
for the Full Factorial Design. On the other hand, the Taguchi Method comprises the
computation of Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratios. The findings will be showcased through the
utilization of tables, graphs, and charts, emphasizing significant variables and
interconnections that impact the duration of landing. The discussion will analyse the
findings, comparing the outcomes from both designs and addressing any unforeseen effects
or constraints. The report will offer suggestions for improving landing time based on the
analyses conducted. It will also include a summary of significant discoveries, suggested
areas for future research, and acknowledgments for contributions to the project.
Table 1: Summarized Design of Experiment for Full Factorial Design
- Plastic
A Material Type
+ Parchment Paper
- 46 cm2
Factors B Surface Area
53 cm2
+
- 30 cm
C Length of Rope
+ 60 cm
Response Landing Time (seconds)
Replicates (n) 3
Drop Height 8 meters
Fixed Parameters Material of the Bottle Plastic
2
