Decomposing a complex design problem using CLIPS

Abstract

Many engineering systems are large and multidisciplinary. Before the design of such complex systems can begin, much time and money are invested in determining the possible couplings among the participating subsystems and their parts. For designs based on existing concepts, like commercial aircraft design, the subsystems and their couplings are usually well-established. However, for designs based on novel concepts, like large space platforms, the determination of the subsystems, couplings, and participating disciplines is an important task. Moreover, this task must be repeated as new information becomes available or as the design specifications change. Determining the subsystems is not an easy, straightforward process and often important couplings are overlooked. The design manager must know how to divide the design work among the design teams so that changes in one subsystem will have predictable effects on other subsystems. The resulting subsystems must be ordered into a hierarchical structure before the planning documents and milestones of the design project are set. The success of a design project often depends on the wise choice of design variables, constraints, objective functions, and the partitioning of these among the design teams. Very few tools are available to aid the design manager in determining the hierarchical structure of a design problem and assist in making these decisions.