Adrian Demaid
Adrian Demaid is Professor of Engineering Systems. He founded the Knowledge Based Systems in Engineering research group, which was dedicated to developing novel computing languages fitted for representing technical knowledge. His teaching is characterised by the research and development of case studies to present engineering in its context, an interest that led to his becoming a founder and trustee of the European Society of Materials Engineering.
Knowledge Representation
My interest in knowledge representation grew from introducing Computer Aided Learning to the Department of Materials at the Open University, for example the Works Metallurgist which trains students in the use of the eutectic phase diagram.
My research in knowledge representation has two facets: the formal representation of engineering knowledge using executable computer code and the softer, more fuzzy, representation of knowledge using classification and mapping techniques.
Formal systems for knowledge representation involved the development of two computer languages, one as an extension to the LISP language Scheme and one as an extension to Smalltalk:
Zucker, J. and A. Demaid, Language fundamentals for design-support architectures. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 1993. 20: p. 425-446.
Demaid, A. and J. Zucker, Message passing between individual and socially acquainted objects in Smalltalk. Knowledge Based Systems, 2002. 15(7): p. 355-368.
Both of these languages were used to model engineering design:
Demaid, A. and J. Zucker, Composing and combining complex designs from different project perspectives. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 1996. 9(6): p. 454-462.
Zucker, J. and A. Demaid, Object-oriented representation of qualitative engineering properties. Computer-Aided Design, 1994. 26(10): p. 722-734.
In researching the more fluffy, perhaps less rigorous, problems of knowledge representation I have become interested in other domains, for example clothing, toys and sustainability:
Eckert, C. and A. Demaid, Classifying Design and Design Management in Seasonal Industries. International Journal of Innovation Management, 2001. 5(4): p. 401-425.
Demaid, A. and P. Quintas. "Knowledge across Cultures in the Construction Industry: Sustainability, Innovation & Design." Technovation, 2006. 26 (5-6): pp 603-610.
Practical Fracture Mechanics
As a partner in Fracture Training Associates I have been involved in the development of training material in the industrial use of fracture mechanics for over twenty-five years.
Our courses, http://www.fracturetraining.co.uk, teach the use of fracture mechanics in all of the major industrial sectors by using case-studies taken from current industrial practice.
Case-studies
As a member of many course teams at the Open University, Chair of the post-graduate course Manufacture Materials Design, Director of the post-graduate Manufacturing Program, and board member of the European Society of Materials Education I have a worryingly long commitment to the use of case-studies to teach the context dependency of the application of engineering knowledge.
Demaid, A. and J. H. W. de Wit, eds. Case Studies in Manufacturing with Advanced Materials, volume 2. , ed. A. Demaid and J. H. W. de Wit. Vol. 2. 1995, Elsevier Science B. V.: Amsterdam.
de Wit, J.H.W., A. Demaid, and M. Onillon, eds. Case Studies in Manufacturing with Advanced Materials, volume 1. , ed. J. H. W. de Wit and A. Demaid. Vol. 1. 1992, North Holland, ISBN 0-444-88468-8. 277.
Research Strategy
I have some ten years experience in advising the EPSRC on its research funding strategy in the application of computers to manufacturing engineering and defending my strategy advice at open meetings of the relevant research communities.
Page Last Updated: 13 February, 2006