Abstract
Web technology is playing an increasingly important role in collaborative product development systems. However, traditional Web-based applications were developed using client/server architecture for information sharing, which lacks a proper support for non-deterministic ad hoc interaction and integration of distributed capabilities. This paper presents some results of an on-going research project on developing a distributed multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework that integrates Internet, Web and agent technologies. The primary goal is to develop a collaborative distributed MDO environment that integrates traditional and state-of-the-art technologies. The principle is to leverage the right technology for the appropriate purpose. In this paper the MDO environment is modeled as a society of agents. Agent-oriented negotiation is employed in computing resource management or load balancing. Web-based interfaces provide the vehicle for the users to access the MDO software environment and collaborate with each other. Active Web servers provide a way to integrate legacy systems separated by firewalls. The paper describes the proposed framework; presents a prototype environment for blow molded automotive parts design; and addresses some key issues in system implementation.