Impact of Data Modeling and Database Implementation Methods on the Optimization of Conceptual Aircraft Design Reference Hall, N. S.; Fulton, R. E. (1997), ASME Engineering Information Mgt. Symposium (EIMS'97) at DETC'97, Sep 14-17, 1997, Sacramento. Abstract Advances in the aircraft technologies have resulted in an increase in the amount of data required to define a design during the conceptual stages. A conceptual design dictates a close multidisciplinary effort requiring large amounts of data exchange. In order to optimize the design process, it is crucial that a top-down data management design structure be in place in the early phases of the design. This structure will provide consistency in data format and allow ease of data exchange between the various disciplines involved in the design process. In the conceptual design phase, consideration must be given to the changing structure of the of the database as the product design evolves. Current database design approaches are typically limited to the detailed design phase where the data organization is fixed. The goal of the research was to develop a database design approach to support the conceptual design of complex engineering products where the database organization is evolving. The research investigates the relative merits of a relational and object-oriented approach to database design for a multidisciplinary aircraft design effort. On a conceptual level, complete database design methodologies have been developed that include all disciplinary data required in the conceptual design phase. The relational and object-oriented design methodologies were applied directly to the stability and control section of the design. This research documents these proposed approaches and recommends possible database design strategies. Documents Manuscript: pdf