Knowledge-based analysis of structural systems

The effective use of finite element systems relies on the availability of physical modeling and result interpretation capabilities. However, reliable computer tools that assist in the modeling and interpretation tasks are still inexistant. In this paper, we investigate some issues underlying the development of an integrated knowledge-based structural analysis assistant and propose an architecture, based on the control blackboard model, for organizing the diverse sources of knowledge that are needed in such an environment. University Libraries Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 Table of