Automated structural design based on knowledge engineering and fuzzy control

This paper describes an automated design system for nuclear structural components under complicated loading conditions. As a basic strategy of designing structures considering various loading conditions, the“generate and test” strategy is adopted because of simplicity and broad applicability. The object‐oriented knowledge representation technique is adopted to store knowledge modules related to design problems,while the data‐flow processing technique is utilized as an inference mechanism among the knowledge modules. As efficient design modification mechanisms, the present system utilizes two approaches, (a) an empirical approach based on experts’ empirical knowledge and the fuzzy control, and (b) a mathematical approach based on numerical sensitivity analysis. Using the present system, one can also obtain a“design window” which designates a satisfaction area for all design criteria in a design variable space. The fundamental performances of this system are clearly demonstrated through the design of a two‐dimensional model of the fusion first wall with a circular cooling channel.