Generating multiple design alternatives of composite materials using a generic task approach.

摘要

Many engineering design situations require the generation of multiple designs to meet a common set of specifications. This research introduces an effective approach for generating multiple designs. The introduced architecture both produces multiple designs, and in a second step ranks the resultant designs according to set criteria.; The method developed utilizes and builds on the generic task approach to knowledge-based systems, as well as the specific design technique, known as Routine Design.; This research has five main contributions in design knowledge-based systems and in polymer composite materials design.; In knowledge-based systems, there are three contributions: (1) The proposal of an integrated architecture for knowledge-based design problem solving. This architecture can produce designs by altering previous similar designs as well as produce designs "from scratch". The architecture also provides a means for "testing" the generated designs. (2) The development of an effective approach for generating multiple designs to meet a common set of specifications. (3) The definition of MDSPL, a language for analyzing and implementing design systems based on the Multiple Design approach. This language is implemented in the form of a set of diagrammatic browsers for browsing and editing design problem solving systems.; In polymer composite materials, there are also 2 contributions: (1) This research introduces an integrated architecture for the material design for polymer composite materials. (2) The design and implementation of a thin film fiber reinforced polymer composite materials design system using the MDSPL language. This system is intended to be an industrial aid for composite materials designers. It is also intended to be part of the integrated design architecture intended for automating the design process.