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, quasireactive 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