A cooperative design framework based on multi-agent for aircraft structural parts

Because of the characteristics of large dimensions, complex structure and high machining accuracy in aircraft structural parts, iterations frequently happen in the parts design process, which increase the R&D time and costs substantially. In response to the situation, a cooperative design framework based on multi-agent for aircraft is proposed in this paper. Agent of detailed design, feature recognition, manufacturability analysis and etc. are included in the framework. According to the constraints upstream, new feature or structure will be constructed to confirm a new design scheme during the design process. Through the local feature recognition, machining features are recognized from the design feature model simultaneously, and then employed to analyze manufacturability and evaluate costs, in order to obtain an optimal design scheme. An original system has been developed and partially tested in an aviation enterprise. The result shows that the methodology is practicable.