Development of a knowledge-based system for materials management

In the past, many mistakes have been made in selecting the best materials for a given task. Thus, tools for humans to optimise the selection of materials will be valuable assets, particularly when the field of application is broad, the problem complex, the operating envelope variable, or the environment is aggressive. In this paper, a methodology far construction of a generic computer materials selector is described. A knowledge structure is presented in which materials selection and failure analysis are at opposite ends of a spectrum of materials performance. An example of the selection of a coating for marine use is given. Besides being of great value to designers, the tool is of considerable potential use for general materials information systems and computer-based learning modules. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Led. Al rights reserved.