A knowledge-embedded database system for composite material selection

摘要

This paper presents a knowledge-embedded database system for composite material selection. The main purpose to develop this system is to provide engineering designers, whether experienced or not with composite materials, a tool in decision making in selecting composite materials. Presently, this knowledge-embedded database system includes four functions: BROWES DATA, SEARCH DATA, EDIT DATA and SELECT MATERIALS. The search for materials can be done by specifying windows of mechanical properties, physical properties, chemical properties etc.. "SELECT MATERIALS" enables the designer to make decision for selecting composite materials or selecting suitable reinforcements and matrix materials to develop new composites according to the required mechanical properties and/or the expected performance for the given service conditions. Most of the data on composite materials are collected directly from the manufacturers. The design and material selection criteria used in this system come from the design guidelines, handbooks and previous case studies in literature. The database system is developed on the platform of the PARADOX for WINDOWS. Taking advantages of PARADOX for WINDOWS's features, the user interface of this database system is highly graphical and user friendly. This database system can be used either as a stand-alone system on a personal computer or as a multi-user system on a network. Examples demonstrating the use of this database system are given in the paper.