A Knowledge Repository for Behavioral Models in Engineering Design

Abstract

Computer simulations and behavioral modeling are becoming increasingly important in product development processes. Simulations can result in better decisions in less time by providing the designers with greater understanding of the product’s behavior. However, behavior model creators (i.e. analysts) and behavior model users (i.e. designers) often do not have the same level of understanding of the model, thus limiting the reuse of a model. Our goal in this research is to develop a clean interface that reduces the knowledge gap between engineering design and analysis by facilitating reuse of behavioral models. To achieve a higher level of reuse in the product design process, we propose a meta-data representation for formally characterizing behavioral models. The meta-data representation captures the assumptions, limitations, accuracy, and context of engineering behavioral models. Based on this knowledge representation, a proof-of-concept repository is implemented for archiving and exchanging reusable behavioral models. The knowledge representation and implementation is illustrated with a simple cantilever beam example.