Intelligent finite element type selection

The paper presents a prototype of the consultative knowledge-based system that was developed to support the initial pre-processing phase of the engineering finite element analysis. The most appropriate type of finite elements is proposed by the system considering problem description given by the user, who needs to answer some questions interactively. The present knowledge base is quite modest and is adjusted to the freeware finite element analysis program Z88. It consists of 24 data-driven production rules applied to select the appropriate finite element type out of the list of 20 different types that are available in the current version of the Z88 program. Several examples confirm that the shell of the system written in Prolog enables efficient use of the knowledge base and adequate communication between the system and the user. The results of experimental use of the system are encouraging and can be used as guidelines for further developments.