Research Initiation: Knowledge-Based Simultaneous Engineering for Mechanical Design Using Design Compatibility Analysis

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The award is to develop a general framework for knowledge- based computer tools that aid simultaneous engineering in mechanical design. Design Compatibility Analysis (DCA) will serve as the underlying concept for these knowledge-based systems. DCA focuses on the compatibility between the design requirements (specification) and the proposed design, evaluates the design based on the compatibility knowledge of experts, gives justification for the evaluation and suggests improvements. DCA accommodates a product's various life-cycle issues (e.g., functionality, manufacturability, reliability) with a unified focus, i.e., compatibility, and thus helps designers to incorporate these issues at the early stages of design representation. The second focus is the linkage between DCA and analytical computer programs such as performance simulators. The resulting framework will not only serve as the basis for various design expert systems, but will also enhance our understanding of the life-cycle design issues.