A blackboard approach to the integration of crankshaft analysis applications

The design and analysis of engine crankshafts involves the use of a myriad of computer aided engineering design and analysis tools. To be successful in reducing cycle time to the finished product, these tools must be integrated into an environment in which common data is shared and the analyst need not be an expert in all areas. Currently, these different analyses are completed independently of each other by different engineers. This process requires the manual exchange of data which has proven to be both time-consuming and error-prone. A process of integrating various analysis applications is presented, which utilizes a blackboard approach as an implementation tool. This paper also presents enhancements made to various analysis applications, made possible by the integration of these applications into a common environment.<>