Knowledge-based engineering to support aircraft multidisciplinary design and optimization

Abstract

This paper discusses structure and functionalities of a knowledge-based engineering (KBE) application, called multimodel generator (MMG), developed to support aircraft multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization. Designers can use the MMG as an advanced modelling tool to swiftly generate geometrical models of many and diverse aircraft configurations and variants, by combining and adjusting a limited number of parametric objects, called high-level primitives. Besides capturing the geometric aspects of the design, the MMG also has the capabilities to automate a large part of the lengthy and non-creative pre-processing activities involved in the design verification process. The proposed KBE application has demonstrated to be a valuable solution for some of the critical needs indicated by the multidisciplinary design and optimization community, namely a flexible and robust generative tool to increase the level of automation in aircraft design, including the development of novel configurations; the exploitation of high-fidelity analytical tools already in the early design phase; the management of the design activities across distributed networks of disciplines specialists.

Estimation of aircraft component production cost using knowledge based engineering techniques

“…It is employed as an assistant to 'realize an efficient and economic product development process' [2]. The concept of KBE has been introduced after the integration of Expert Systems and Computer Aided Design (CAD) in the mid-1980s [23].…”

“…The KB management tool can be separated from the design and analysis tool, but it can also be integrated. Some applications have been developed by featuring an embedded KB and related management within the design and analysis tool for simplification and convenience [2]. Thirdly, a step of mapping the knowledge from the KB to the design and analysis process is necessary.…”

“…According to La Rocca [2], the DEE contains a geometry centric parametric model generator, so-called Multi-Model Generator (MMG), as well as disciplinary analysis modules. It starts with an initiator, which represents a product instance with initial input values.…”

“…A total of 85% of the overall Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is determined by design choices at the end of the preliminary design stage, while 95% of the LCC is locked at the end of the detailed design [1]. Aircraft production cost accounts for around 32% of the LCC [2]. Moreover, production cost is tightly related to acquisition cost, which in turn is linked with operating cost.…”

Engineering Education in an Industrial Context

“…The user has the opportunity to access the packages successively over a graphical user interface (GUI) provided in the familiar working environment. The general goal to free the user of repetitive tasks by means of knowledge based methods to give him more time for creative processes [12] is pursued here, too. The focus is put on a structure allowing major changes by the manipulation of basic elements.…”