1 Abstract t I iglily stressed engineering parts and components ofk i t require material properties, which can not be found within one specific material. This mismatch between strtictural requirements and material properties causes drastic consequences: either the cutback of functions or the usage of superior materials with properties, which are only partly be required. Both ways show major disadvantages. In the first case the coinponents show a reduced functionability, in the other case high material costs will result. A way out of this situation can be found by design a n d production of materials with properties identical to t.hose required. To gain this challenge computer based bystellis, e.g. expert systems, finite element methods, materials data bases etc. are essentially necessary. In this paper an artificial intelligence application on composite materials design will be presented. A first prototype of the system was implemented using the expert system shell KEE. Currently the system is under test and first results show, that it can be used as an adequate loo1 for composite materials design and optiiiiization.2 Introduction 111 all parts of' industry increasing demand require new inaterials with improved properties, which mostly cannot be found within one specific material. Therefore it is necessary to combine different materials forming a composite. In this way the respective material properties are assembled in the composite material. Although this technique is used widely e.g. in the aerospace industry [l], it is not the state of the art in the common industry like machine-, chemical processing plant-or car building industry. Nevertheless, there is no doubt t1ia.t many technical solutions show more or less short-828