P. Robinson et al., A COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM FOR SURFACE COATING AND MATERIAL SELECTION, Surface & coatings technology, 62(1-3), 1993, pp. 662-668
Because the majority of component failures in service can be attribute
d to surface-initiated effects, there is much to be gained by the spec
ification of an appropriate surface coating for the working environmen
t. Unfortunately, the range of coatings available, and their interacti
on with the materials to which they are applied, makes this a task for
which considerable expertise is required. In this paper we report pro
gress in development of the PRECEPT knowledge-based computer system, w
hich is being constructed to aid the engineering designer in making an
informed selection of surface coatings and materials to satisfy the d
esign and service requirements of a component. In the paper we discuss
the strategy for selecting surfaces based on the criteria of resistan
ce to wear, fatigue and corrosion as well as the physical properties r
equired of the bulk material. Fundamental to the selection process is
the concept of a combination; that is, a material and coating consider
ed together as a single entity, with unique properties. This has consi
derable implications for the selection process, data and knowledge gat
hering and the implementation of the system. These points are discusse
d together with initial results of user testing the prototype system.