An expert system approach for the design of composite laminates

Abstract

An engineering expert system to function at the level of a human expert should integrate artificial intelligence techniques with computer-based engineering tools. In the context of structural engineering applications, an expert system should integrate the design, analysis or database tools with the expertise in the knowledge base of the system. Based on this requirement, an expert system has been developed for optimal design of composite sandwich panels from strength and buckeling considerations. Two analysis programs, LAMRANK and BUCLAM for strength and, buckling, respectively, are interfaced with an expert system framework written in Turbo Prolog. The expertise has been represented as rules in the knowledge base. The resulting expert system, LAMDA (Laminate Design Assistant), serves as a useful design tool to the engineer in the design of composite sandwich panels.