Knowledge reuse in manufacturability analysis

This paper proposes a knowledge representation method that supports greater reuse of manufacturing knowledge in design. The method draws on recent research into object-oriented product and manufacturing models, and problem solving agents. A research platform is proposed, and the results of a test case (based on a simplified jet engine combustion chamber) are described. The paper concludes with three basic principles of reuse, i.e. product/process separation, procedural/declarative knowledge separation, and guidelines for the optimum location of rules and constraints within product/manufacturing models.