The architecture of ALADIN: a knowledge-based approach to alloy design

ALADIN, a knowledge-based system to aid aluminum alloy design for aerospace applications, is examined. Issues of interest in the ALADIN project are what the appropriate architecture is for the explicit representation and utilization of multiple alternative models, and how search in this space of multiple interacting models is to be focused. How ALADIN was designed to deal with these issues is briefly described. A discussion is presented of the structure of ALADIN´s knowledge base, which captures complex technical concepts as well as data in symbolic, frame-based terms; a multilevel planning search architecture; and the integration of symbolic and numerical approaches. ALADIN´s accomplishments are illustrated by examining one fragment of an interactive design session with the system.<>