The Application of a Knowledge Based Engineering Approach to the Rapid Design and Analysis of an Automotive Structure

This paper describes a knowledge based engineering system (KBES) to extend the current capabilities of automotive body-in-white (BIW) engineers. It allows them to respond dynamically to changes within a rapid timeframe and to assess the effects of change with respect to the constraints imposed upon them by other product cycle factors. The system operates by creating a uni®ed model description that queries rules as to the suitability of the concept design and is built using a standard KBES to reduce project costs and system implementation. Knowledge from expert engineers and technical literature are captured and represented within the KBE application framework. q 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.