# README

## Overview

This MATLAB script estimates a **mass-based cost index** for four wheel architectures:

- Hoop
- Spiral
- Tweel
- Twin

It compares the architectures using baseline simulation data extracted from tolerance-analysis tables.

---

## What the script does

The script:

1. Loads the `.mat` tables for the four architectures
2. Filters only the rows with baseline thickness values:
   - `t ext = 0.003 m`
   - `t int = 0.003 m`
   - `t rinf = 0.003 m`
3. Computes:
   - mean wheel mass
   - median wheel mass
4. Builds a normalized **cost index** based only on mass
5. Assigns a cost score from **1 to 5**
   - lowest mass = lowest cost = highest score
   - highest mass = highest cost = lowest score
6. Displays the results in a table and a bar chart

---

## Required files

The following files must be available in the working folder:

- `TAB_tol_hoop.mat`
- `TAB_tol_spiral.mat`
- `TAB_tol_tweel.mat`
- `TAB_tol_twin.mat`

---

## Output

The script generates:

- a summary table with:
  - number of baseline rows
  - mean mass
  - median mass
  - normalized mass-based cost index
  - estimated cost score
- a bar chart of the normalized cost index

---

## Purpose

This script provides a simple and quick way to compare the four wheel architectures from a **cost perspective**, assuming that **higher mass implies higher manufacturing cost**.