W.J.C. Verhagen

A critical review of Knowledge-Based Engineering: An identification of research challenges

Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) is a research field that studies methodologies and technologies for capture and re-use of product and process engineering knowledge. The objective of KBE is to reduce time and cost of product development, which is primarily achieved through automation of repetitive design tasks while capturing, retaining and re-using design knowledge. Published research on KBE is not very extensive and also quite dispersed; this paper is an effort to collect and review existing literature on KBE. A total of 50 research contributions have been analysed. The main objectives of this analysis are to identify the theoretical foundations of KBE and to identify research issues within KBE, pointing out the challenges and pitfalls that currently prohibit a wider adoption of KBE while suggesting avenues for further research. Key findings include (a) the necessity for improved methodological support and adherence, (b) better transparency and traceability of knowledge, (c) the necessity for a quantitative framework to assess the viability and success of KBE development and implementation projects, and (d) the opportunity to move towards mass customization approaches through distributed deployment of KBE in the extended enterprise.

A multidisciplinary implementation methodology for knowledge based engineering: KNOMAD

Existing knowledge-based engineering methodologies offer opportunities for improvement, as the multidisciplinary character of engineering design is not well implemented and as the current methodologies are not optimally substantiated. To better address the integration of multidisciplinary engineering knowledge within a knowledge based engineering (KBE) framework, the KNOMAD methodology has been devised. KNOMAD stands for Knowledge Nurture for Optimal Multidisciplinary Analysis and Design and is a methodology for the analytical utilization, development and evolution of multi-disciplinary engineering knowledge within the design and production realms. The KNOMAD acronym can also be used to highlight KNOMADs formalized process of: (K)nowledge capture; (N)ormalisation; (O)rganisation; (M)odeling; (A)nalysis; and (D)elivery. These implementation steps are taken and repeated as part of the knowledge life cycle and in this context KNOMAD nurtures the whole Knowledge Management across that life cycle. The main contribution of the paper is to highlight the development of the KNOMAD methodology and to substantiate its individual steps with sufficient detail to support the application of KNOMAD in practice. A discipline-specific case study shows the potential of the KNOMAD methodology.

The effects of co-innovation on the value-time curve: a quantitative study on product level

Quantitative analysis with respect to co-innovation is very scarce. The aim of this paper is to make headway into this terrain by quantitatively analyzing the effect of co-innovation on the value-time curve in terms of indicators from Beelaerts’ 3C model.Analysis of car manufacturer market data shows that co-innovation decreases time-to-market and increases market share. A case analysis of three aerospace products, combined with the previously found relations, leads to further insight into current innovation performance of major aerospace companies.

Knowledge-Based Engineering

The handling of knowledge represents the key to competitiveness, with company-specific product and process knowledge marking a unique position with respect to competition. Knowledge-based engineering (KBE) is a comprehensive application of artificial intelligence in engineering. It facilitates new product development by automating repetitive design tasks through acquisition, capture, transform, retention, share, and (re-)use of product and process knowledge. The idea behind KBE is to store engineering knowledge once by suitable, user friendly means and use it whenever necessary in a formal, well documented, repeatable and traceable process. It works like design automation. This chapter begins with the definition of knowledge in an engineering context and subsequently addresses the state-of-the-art in KBE research. Three particular areas of research are discussed in detail: knowledge structuring, maintainability of knowledge and KBE applications, and the technological progress and weaknesses of commercial KBE applications like KBE templates. From case study examples, various recent developments in KBE research, development and industrial exploitation are highlighted. By the resulting sequence optimization of the design process a significant time saving can be achieved. However, there are still notable drawbacks such as the complexity of KBE implementation and the adaptability of developed applications that need to be researched and solved. A view on KBE systems within the Concurrent Engineering context is synthesized, leading to the identification of future directions for research.

Knowledge-Based Engineering Review: Conceptual Foundations and Research Issues

Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) is a developing research field that studies technologies for capture and re-use product and process engineering knowledge to reduce time and cost of product development. KBE has held great promise since its inception, but evolution in the technologies and notions underlying KBE as well as significant challenges towards adoption have so far precluded its main-stream use. The main objective of this paper is to focus on research issues within KBE, pointing out the challenges and pitfalls that currently prohibit a wider adoption of KBE while suggesting possible solutions and avenues for further research. In particular, the case-based ad hoc development of KBE and the ‘black-box’ nature of many KBE applications, subsequent difficulties with knowledge re-use, and insufficient quantification of the benefits of KBE are significant challenges towards a wider adoption of KBE. Methodological and technological advances address some of these issues, and propositions are made to further both qualitative and quantitative analysis and evaluation of KBE applications.

Concurrent Engineering in the 21st Century

Presenting the gradual evolution of the concept of Concurrent Engineering (CE), and the technical, social methods and tools that have been developed, including the many theoretical and practical challenges that still exist, this book serves to summarize the achievements and current challenges of CE and will give readers a comprehensive picture of CE as researched and practiced in different regions of the world. Featuring in-depth analysis of complex real-life applications and experiences, this book demonstrates that Concurrent Engineering is used widely in many industries and that the same basic engineering principles can also be applied to new, emerging fields like sustainable mobility. Designed to serve as a valuable reference to industry experts, managers, students, researchers, and software developers, this book is intended to serve as both an introduction to development and as an analysis of the novel approaches and techniques of CE, as well as being a compact reference for more experienced readers.

Knowledge-based cost modelling of composite wing structures

The progressive industrialisation of composite-built aircraft is putting manufacturing engineers on a steep learning curve. An opportunity exists to use knowledge management tools to capture, share and reuse knowledge over multiple aircraft programs and maintain the constant flow of learning gained during aircraft program delivery. This article reports on research to develop a knowledge-based cost modelling capability for composite part concept evaluation. The approach integrates a knowledge management environment with a process-based cost estimation tool encoded in very large spreadsheets. To achieve this, the complexity of the cost model is managed by modularising it into simple, re-useable components. The knowledge management environment is then used to manage the knowledge life cycle, knowledge exploitation and knowledge visibility of those components. The result is a flexible cost modelling tool composed of traceable, verifiable and reliable knowledge elements that provides through-life knowledge support for cost engineering. Validation is achieved through functional application of the solution for composite wing top cover cost modelling.

Ontological Modelling of the Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Domain

This paper focuses on the development of an ontology for the aerospace composite manufacturing domain. It uses an amalgam of ontology development methodologies to arrive at a semi-formally declared ontology, which is tested for practical validity in a case study focusing on the construction of an architecture for a knowledge-based engineering solution for an aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Concurrent Engineering and Integrated Aircraft Design

With the increasing size and complexity of development projects at large companies and organizations in the aviation industry, concurrent engineering (CE) and integrated aircraft design has become of crucial importance in the design process of new products. In order to remain a competitive position and achieve a customer driven approach, aspects of the product’s life cycle should be adopted at an early stage in the design process. These aspects include, among others: the overall cost performance and the ability of new system integration. This chapter discusses the implementation of CE in the life cycle of aircraft and systems in general. Challenges related to process parallelization and multidisciplinary design, involving the exchange of knowledge and information throughout the design process, are covered. Supporting techniques along with practical case studies are presented to illustrate the implementation of CE and IAD in real life. Expected future developments with respect to CE as applied to aviation conclude this chapter.

KBE and Manufacturing Constraints Management

The paper is associated with Manufacturing Knowledge Management and so that stream of the work has been formalised into the KNOMAD methodology. The Knowledge Optimized Manufacture And Design (KNOMAD) is a methodology for the analytical utilisation of manufacturing knowledge within design. The main contribution is to highlight the validity of the KNOMAD methodology and to show how that can be incorporated within a KBE approach in order to show how manufacturing knowedlge management can be used to aid decision making in analysing the implications of various solution choices.