An Ontology-based Approach for “Procedural CAD Models” Data Exchange

In the Concurrent Engineering environment, the interoperability of various CAD systems requires maintaining the design intent. In this paper, we present an ontology based approach as a mean for semantic data exchange in engineering design area. Our purpose is to provide capabilities to transfer procedural model data including the design intent. The devised approach consists of developing generic feature-based design ontology in addition of specific design ontologies for CAD systems. Concepts defined in our ontology include parts, features, constraints, history of construction. Interoperability among ontologies is fulfilled by defining several mapping rules. We use descriptive logic language, notably OWL to represent formally our ontology.