Knowledge-based Design Methodology Research Articles

Design of Composite Brakes Using Knowledge-Based Design Methodology

In designing modern friction materials that are normally made of composite materials, a more systematical approach is needed in order to select the most appropriate composition of raw materials for specific applications. Here, knowledge-based design methodology has been formulated for composite brake design application, that consists of: design database generation from experiments, metamodelling, and global optimization processes. The objective function has incorporated, among others, the uncertainties introduced in the experimentally-obtained design database, so that providing the optmization results with the information of variation. The application of the methodology has been demonstrated to two cases, i.e. train brake and motorcycle brake pad, with the optimization results close to the targetted values and the information of output variation, as intended.

Application of a knowledge based design methodology to support fuselage panel design

AbstractKnowledge is a vital component of engineering design. Computer systems enriched with logic and engineering knowledge can support engineering design by automating repetitive and time-consuming processes. This automation is enabled using knowledge based engineering (KBE) techniques and can be obtained using dedicated KBE systems or augmented CAD systems, already pervasive throughout engineering industry. The development of these KBE applications is supported by a six-phase development process ranging from engineering process analysis to software development to business implementation. Distinctions and similarities exploiting alternative KBE platforms are addressed for each phase of the development process. An example KBE application is discussed, supporting the design of laminate aircraft fuselage panels. The implementation of the application is emphasised and five key-aspects required for a successful implementation are defined.

Challenges for Natural Monomers and Polymers: Novel Design Strategies and Engineering to Develop Advanced Polymers

The last century witnessed the emergence of polymer science and technology that enabled the generation of knowledge and techniques to control the size, shape, structure, properties and functions of polymers to generate polymers with unprecedented properties and functions. There have been many attempts to apply this information to natural monomers and polymers to achieve the desired property profiles with varying degrees of success which have given/are giving it a new outlook as a possible alternative source for the production of polymers. Novel concepts and techniques such as 'bio-inspired' polymer design, 'synthetically-inspired' material development, etc., are contributing to the development of natural monomers and polymers as a sustainable resource to generate a knowledge-based design methodology to meet the vastly developing requirements of modern materials. This paper reviews these emerging concepts and techniques that integrate materials synthesis, process and manufacturing options with eco efficiency.

From the idea to validation in one step

In recent years, there has been a continuing and increasing trend towards shifting engineering activities from the manufacturers to the suppliers in the automotive industry. In order to handle the closely linked, constantly rising complexity in an efficient way, a new engineering concept for road vehicle exhaust systems was created by Tenneco. The relevant knowledge for the product development is captured, formalised and provided through a knowledge-based design methodology at an early stage of the development process.

A Knowledge Based Design Methodology for manufacturing assembly lines

In assembly line design, the problem of balancing has received most attention from past researchers, and a number of algorithms have been devised for the analysis of single, multi- and mixed-product assembly lines [Int. J. Prod. Res. 27 (1989) 637]. In many cases, such algorithms seek a solution for the particular situation, which is under consideration and therefore have very little flexibility for generic application to assembly line design. Real life practical design issues include stochastic operation times, parallel workstation requirements, feasibility for workstation combining, and parallel line implementations, all of which are features which are ignored in many analyses. This paper presents a Knowledge Based Design Methodology (KBDM) for automated and manual assembly lines, which can be applied equally well to single, multi- and mixed-product assembly lines with either deterministic operation times or stochastic operation times. The methodology starts from a suitable assembly system selection and thereafter decides suitable cycle times, parallel workstation requirements, and parallel line implementation for the type of assembly system being selected. An economical number of workstations are decided with the aid of workstation combining options depending upon the factual information provided. The end result is the detailed design of a manufacturing assembly line. A case study from a practical assembly line is presented to illustrate how the KBDM works.

Knowledge-based design support system for computer communication system

A knowledge-based design methodology for computer communication systems is proposed, along with a framework for a knowledge-based design support system. The design methodology is based on the user-requirements-oriented approach parameters. According to these requirements, formal specifications are defined as user's view virtual machine (UVM) and designer's view virtual machine (DVM). These virtual machines are constructed as knowledge models from the specifications. Due to the design methodology, a knowledge-based design support system for computer communication systems, called KDSS, is constructed. This design support system consists of many expert systems corresponding to the design phases given by methodology. A design example is given to illustrate the methodology.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>