KADS²: A Next Generation Knowledge Aided Design System

Research has been conducted in the areas of design methodology, automation and use of knowledge based systems as a tool to improve the design efficiency, accuracy and consistency for mechanical power transmissions. The research capitalized on previous work related to component level design synthesis and analysis. The next logical step in the research progression was to look into system development and integration of design synthesis and analysis tools. Deliverables from this research include new knowledge acquisition techniques, a more complete model of design information flow and development and a knowledge based design assistant system, capable of integrating multiple discrete and disparate design tools.