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Buchanan, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Buchanan, B..

Problem solving with uncertain knowledge

Systems capable of expert level performance are built. The system represents domain-specific knowledge such as knowledge about geology, medicine, etc., and enables a process in which it uses such knowledge in an understandable line of reasoning. The MYCIN system, one example of such a system, is used as illustration.

Buchanan, B.

Hardening electronic devices against very high total dose radiation environments

The possibilities and limitations of hardening silicon semiconductor devices to the high neutron and gamma radiation levels and greater than 10 to the eighth power rads required for the NERVA nuclear engine development are discussed. A comparison is made of the high dose neutron and gamma hardening potential of bipolar, metal insulator semiconductors and junction field effect transistors. Experimental data is presented on device degradation for the high neutron and gamma doses. Previous data and comparisons indicate that the JFET is much more immune to the combined neutron displacement and gamma ionizing effects than other transistor types. Experimental evidence is also presented which indicates that p channel MOS devices may be able to meet the requirements.

Buchanan, B.