A prototype expert system for performance evaluation of liquid-fueled rockets

The purpose of this research was to develop a prototype expert system with three main capabilities related to the test and operation of liquid-fueled rockets. These include monitoring the test for any values exceeding safety limits, initiating a rapid post-test performance optimization analysis, and providing the ability to create a life history, including performance optimization advice given, of any rocket examined by the system. Hard copies of all displayed information are available for more traditional analysis and storage when desired. This thesis describes the capabilities of the expert system, including hypertext presentation, in detail and uses a simulated test run, with three previously created data files of the appropriate numerical information, to show it in actual operation. Also included is a discussion of future expansion for this work. This prototype expert system is utilized to demonstrate the feasibility and the potential benefit of the operational system. The modification and improvement will be required to complete the final version of the operational system.