The purpose of this project, the Interactive Structural Analysis Instructor and Helper (ISAIAH), is to utilize modern hypermedia technology to research and develop an interactive finite-element analysis knowledge base on a microcomputer laser disk to provide: (1) engineering students with "hands-on" experience combined with interactive instruction; and (2) practicing engineers with interactive assistance during preprocessing and postprocessing to improve the quality of finite-element analyses and the resulting quality of U.S. engineering. As a first step toward this goal, a proof-of-concept prototype frame analysis assistant on a microcomputer diskette will be formulated and tested in Phase I to verify the feasibility of the hypermedia approach and test its effectiveness with engineering students and practitioners.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: An interactive finite-element analysis knowledge base on laser disk will be useful for most engineering students and practitioners, thus creating a large marketing potential.
