Development of an intelligent knowledge base for heat stress evaluation

An intelligent knowledge base system for heat stress evaluation is described. The evaluation of heat stress is a particularly difficult problem, utilizing a variety of sometimes contradictory heat stress indices, and thus is naturally suited for computer aided design. The present system uses an expert system approach and can be used either as a stand along design tool or as one of the lower level models for larger ergonomic expert systems such as ALFIE. Simulations of a variety of environmental conditions were performed. A large diversity in predictive capabilities was found, depending on the assumptions used for each component index. For maximum efficiency with novice users, further explanations and on-line assistance need to be implemented within the system.