A Generalized Expert System Shell for Implementing Mechanical Design Applications: Review, Introduction, and Fundamental Concepts

The foundations for an expert system shell for implementing mechanical design applications are presented in this paper. The shell supports facilities for knowledge acquisition, quasi-reactive planning, design evaluation, and subjective explanation. The underlying philosophy of each of these facilities and some preliminary implementation issues are discussed. A brief summary of a recent research effort and its implications on the development of a generalized expert system shell for implementing mechanical design applications are also presented.