Integration of finite element analysis and expert system for design optimisation in a CAD/CAM environment

摘要

This paper reports on the progress of the research currently being undertaken in the Department of Product Design Manufacture of Bournemouth University, aiming at developing a fully integrated design system (Total Design System). The system incorporates solid modelling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) from a computer aided engineering package with two knowledge based expert systems. The FEA results are used as input data for material selector and manufacturing process adviser. Therefore the reliability and accuracy of the FEA data will determine the quality of the product optimisation performed. The ultimate objective of the Total Design System is to achieve a concurrent engineering environment that is accessible to a far greater number of people by implementing a high degree of compatible data exchange with a wide and varied array of software packages.