Implementation of an Expert System for Design of Single-Point Subsurface Oceanographic Moorings

Design of single-point subsurface moorings is done manually at present with the help of some computer programs. These programs are used for analyzing the mooring, but setting up of the initial mooring configuration and the subsequent modifications on the basis of the results of the analysis are done by the design engineer. An expert system for mooring design is developed to eliminate the human expert from the design process and thus to enable a novice to design a mooring by himself. Using the expert system, an optimum least-weight in air design can be developed in less time than usually required in conventional procedures. A significant advantage is that the system can serve as a vehicle for effective transfer of present day expertise for future applications. The system is developed and implemented on an IBM PC/AT. It has a user-friendly, interactive, menu-driven input procedure and a sophisticated output facility. The design process is totally automated and the requirement to consult a human expert is eliminated. The system has tremendous flexibility and a knowledge engineer can easily adapt it to the specific requirements of a particular user. The concept of machine learning is introduced by recording the failure data and using this information in the later decision making processes. A CAD package, AUTOCAD, is used to generate the drawings and an interface is developed between the CAD package and the expert system so that the former is transparent to the user. Keywords: Mooring cables; Oceanographic moorings.