An expert database system for shipboard maintenance

Abstract

Current corrective maintenance practices in U.S. Navy ships follow troubleshooting guides found in the paper copies of technical manuals. These manuals are often difficult to find, maintain, and store, and guides are not easily followed. An expert system for troubleshooting could improve current practices by providing a centralized program that is easily maintained and followed. By coupling to a database of procedures, the precise steps to correct the problem could also be called. An expert database system allows an expanded knowledge base that is easily modified while maintaining the integrity of the expert system program. A prototype system for troubleshooting the NAXI 100-2 Low Pressure Air Compressor was developed to illustrate the advantages of expert database technology in this application. VP-EXPERT and DBASE IV were used, and the prototype as demonstrated to SIMA, San Diego, was received favorably. Conclusions drawn supported the feasibility of such systems to assist in the performance of shipboard maintenance.