Research Initiation: Integration of Utility Analysis and Rule Based Computer Aids to Design

这个项目的目标是开发和整合一个基于人工智能方法的决策分析工具，这将有助于在最初的概念阶段进行优化设计。计划采用一种方法论，促进将多属性效用分析这一决策分析工具纳入其他计算机辅助工具，以便在最基本的层面上设计复杂的工程系统。目标是对复杂结构系统中的材料选择决策进行多属性效用分析。方法是将系统划分为多个子系统，每个子系统由根据功能性能需求划分的各个组件组成。评估了每个子系统的多属性效用函数，并将其用于每个子系统的设计。提出了一种组合这些效用函数以提供整个系统的总体效用的表达式的方法。结果将是一个工具，用来评估完成的替代设计和量化权衡，这为设计修改和开发更有效的设计概念提供了方向。

The objective of this project is to develop and integrate a decision analysis tool based on with artificial intelligence methodology which will facilitate optimal design at the initial concept stage. A methodology is planned which facilitates the incorporation of multiattribute utility analysis, a decision analysis tool, into other computer aids for the design of complex, engineered systems at the most basic level. The goal is multiattribute utility analysis of materials selection decisions in complex structural systems. The approach is to divide the system into subsystems, each consisting of individual components delineated on the basis of functional performance requirements. Multiattribute utility functions are assessed for each subsystem, and used in the design of each subsystem. A method for combining these utility functions to provide one expression for the overall utility of the entire system is presented. The result will be a tool with which to evaluate completed alternative designs and quantify tradeoffs which provide direction to design modifications, and the development of more efficient design concepts.