The application of a knowledge based engineering approach to the rapid design and analysis of an automotive structure

This paper describes a knowledge based engineering system (KBES) to extend the current capabilities of automotive body-in-white (BIW) engineers. It al lows them to respond dynamically to changes within a rapid timeframe and to assess the effects of change with respect to the constraints imposed upon them by other product cycle factors. The system operates by creating a unif ied model description that queries rules as to the suitability of the conce pt design and is built using a standard KBES to reduce project costs and sy stem implementation. Knowledge from expert engineers and technical literatu re are captured and represented within the KBE application framework. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.