EXPERT SYSTEMS FOR THERMAL AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS IN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DESIGN
This paper presents an application of rule-based expert systems to thermal and structural analysis, part of mechanical engineering design, in electronic system design. The purpose of these expert systems is to serve as a consultant or design reviewer. These design expert systems are capable of performing both symbolic reasoning and numeric computation. The advantages of expert systems over conventional systems such as user friendliness, explanation and help facilities, and easy development and maintenance are also shown in this paper. Using system-subsystem tree structure several interrelated expert systems can be integrated into one system, and it is flexible for future expansion or modification. Object-oriented approach is also discussed, which with its unique representation of object could be a useful tool for engineering design.