Using the knowledge configuration model to manage knowledge in configuration for upstream phases of the design process

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In this paper, we focus on industrial problem-solving in design and simulation processes, especially in the automotive and aerospace fields. In these fields, engineers handle a large range of expert models such as computed aided design (CAD) and computed aided engineering (CAE) models which encapsulate parameters and design rules, which are considered as knowledge. This knowledge has to be shared by different users and must remain coherent through the design and simulation activities. This means maintaining consistent parameter values, following design rules, etc.) during product development and especially in the early design stages. Nowadays, faced with the diversity and the increasing number of expert models used at the same time, there is a lack of parameters and design-rule management to keep the knowledge contained within them coherent throughout several design activities. To improve expert model inter-operability there are numerous product models (in UML language) which support the product lifecycle management approach through data and information management throughout the entire product lifecycle. However, these models are not focused on the management of knowledge embedded in CAD and CAE models. In this context we propose a model called the KCModel in UML, to manage the knowledge encapsulated and ensure the coherence, e.g. the same parameter value used in several expert models, through several product design activities in a collaborative engineering context. The KCModel is based on the MDA/MDE (model driven architecture/model driven engineering) approach to managing knowledge in configurations synchronized with CAD and CAE models. This research work and the KCModel come within the scope of a French national project called ADN: “Alliance des Donnees Numeriques” led by the company DPS (specialized in digital product simulation) with the participation of the following companies, amongst others: PSA-Peugeot Citroen, EADS and FAURECIA.