Development of a knowledge based expert system on casting defects

Knowledge based expert systems are computer programs which use a collection of facts, rules of thumb to suggest solutions to specific problems. Foundry related practices are rich in thumb rules and knowledge bases which can be
implemented in such programs to help the foundrymen. One such very important use of expert systems can be in the diagnosis of casting defects. This paper outlines the proc-edure adopted to design an expert system, to identify the
casting defect by appearance and at the same time also suggest the remedial solution for the casting defect ident-ified. The knowledge-base of this expert system (named NCDA, NIFFT Casting Defect Analysis) is rule based. A large
number of rules have been built that constitute the decis-ion making sequence for each area of defect, which when consulted by the user gives a probable or certain solution depending upon the parameters supplied by him/her. The system has been built using the expert system shell VP-EXPERT. A friendly environment has been created for the user that tries to sumulate actual human interaction. The knowledge base is open to further additions or modifi-cations.