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A constraint-based approach for qualitative matrix structural analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2009

David I. Schwartz  and
Stuart S. Chen
David I. Schwartz
Affiliation:
Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Civil Engineering, 202 Ketter Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
Stuart S. Chen
Affiliation:
Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Civil Engineering, 202 Ketter Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
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Abstract

Qualitative physics, a subfield of artificial intelligence, adapts intuitive and non-numerical reasoning for descriptive analysis of physical systems. The application of a set-based qualitative algebra to matrix analysis (QMA) allows for the development of a qualitative matrix stiffness methodology for linear elastic structural analysis. The unavoidable introduction of arithmetic ambiguity requires the reinforcement of physical constraints complementary to standard matrix operations. The overall analysis technique incorporates such constraints within the set-based framework with logic programming. Truss, beam, and frame structures demonstrate constraint relationships, which prune spurious solutions resulting from qualitative arithmetic relations. Though QMA is not a panacea for all structural applications, it provides greater insight into new notions of physical analysis.

Keywords

Qualitative ReasoningStructural EngineeringArtificial IntelligenceConstraint SatisfactionLogic Programming

Information

Type
Articles
Information
AI EDAM , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , January 1995 , pp. 23 - 36
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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