Architecture of an Expert System for Oceanographic Mooring Design

Abstract

Methods for the design and analysis of oceanographic moorings are well established (Berteaux, 1976). However, as with most engineering design problems, there are certain “rules-of-thumb” or “tricks-of-the-trade” that streamline the design process and enhance the performance of the final product. These rules-of-thumb are normally known to only a small cadre of people—experts—who have deep involvement and experience in the particular engineering design problem. These rules-of-thumb and other knowledge of several experts are incorporated to develop the fundamental architecture of an expert system for the design of single-point, subsurface, oceanographic moorings. Such moorings are used worldwide to collect oceanographic and acoustic data. The projected end user of this expert system is the oceanographer or acoustician who wishes to design and/or cost out a mooring but has not the access to or support for a mooring design group.