An expert system for the design and analysis of composite structures

A prototype expert system is described for concurrent design and analysis o f composite structures. This system integrates symbolic, numerical and know ledge-based tools in an object-oriented programming environment for design synthesis, evaluation and modification. The system determines structural be havior utilizing a combination of analytical and numerical tools. Design mo difications and structural optimization are performed using heuristic and e xperientially derived knowledge bases. The different domain-specific progra ms and commercial packages utilized by the system are integrated using a ge neric interfacing mechanism. The utility of the system is demonstrated by m eans of a design case study for a typical aircraft or rotorcraft structural component.