Qualitative Process Automation

This paper addresses research in computer science, control theory and material processing science wherein the focus is to develop a process control system which enables in situ process model development. A generic control system architecture employing the use of qualitative physics (QP) is described together with an explanation of the system operation involving multiple co-operating expert systems. Specific details involving development and application of the control system to auotoclave curing of composites is also presented, together with recent research and production results.