Roles of the computer aided engineering (CAE) software are getting mon sign
ificant in manufacturing industry because detailed simulation in the early
stage of design can reduce the time and cost for development. An easier use
r interface and a capability of offering knowledge about the FE analysis an
demanded as the main users shift from analysts to designers. This article
proposes an interface agent for a CAE system. It helps beginners of the CAE
software perform FE analysis quickly and correctly without support from hu
man specialists. Major functions of the proposed agent include: (I) help us
ers create ideas of FE analysis by showing operation flow in advance in wor
ds and images; (2) plan a sequence of operations from users analysis goal a
nd show it to users stepwise; and (3) record users troubleshooting experien
ces and show them to the same user and other users as hints. A prototype wa
s implemented on a PC based CAE system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All
rights reserved.