Directed computer aided design using expert systems techniques

Abstract

The work reported here is an examination into the interfacing of software. The general objective of the study was to investigate the methods of communication between software packages in a local environment. The software packages discussed have been grouped into four areas: language; database/spreadsheet/word processor; CAD and CAM. The study specifically follows a design process to illustrate methods of collecting and transferring data between user and CAD/CAM software packages which deal with specific aspects in the design process, such as drawing, analysis and manufacturing. The design of a shaft and its associated components was deliberately chosen for investigation because shaft design is one of the most common steps in machine design. The shaft design assistant system was developed based on the MicroStation environment and most parts are written in MicroStation Development Language which is another area of interest explored in this study. Incorporated into the shaft design is the framework of a knowledge-based module which assists the designer in the selection of suitable bearings. This design process was developed in Prolog to provide an example of communication between MDL applications and programs written in other languages. This module also shows the basic concept of how knowledge based systems are applied to engineering component selection. The interface issues were addressed along with the development of the shaft design assistant system.