An ontology framework for developing platform-independent knowledge-based engineering systems in the aerospace industry

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a novel knowledge-based engineering (KBE) framework for implementing platform-independent knowledge-enabled product design systems within the aerospace industry. The aim of the KBE framework is to strengthen the structure, reuse and portability of knowledge consumed within KBE systems in view of supporting the cost-effective and long-term preservation of knowledge within such systems. The proposed KBE framework uses an ontology-based approach for semantic knowledge management and adopts a model-driven architecture style from the software engineering discipline. Its phases are mainly (1) Capture knowledge required for KBE system; (2) Ontology model construct of KBE system; (3) Platform-independent model (PIM) technology selection and implementation and (4) Integration of PIM KBE knowledge with computer-aided design system. A rigorous methodology is employed which is comprised of five qualitative phases namely, requirement analysis for the KBE framework, identifying software and ontological engineering elements, integration of both elements, proof of concept prototype demonstrator and finally experts validation. A case study investigating four primitive three-dimensional geometry shapes is used to quantify the applicability of the KBE framework in the aerospace industry. Additionally, experts within the aerospace and software engineering sector validated the strengths/benefits and limitations of the KBE framework. The major benefits of the developed approach are in the reduction of man-hours required for developing KBE systems within the aerospace industry and the maintainability and abstraction of the knowledge required for developing KBE systems. This approach strengthens knowledge reuse and eliminates platform-specific approaches to developing KBE systems ensuring the preservation of KBE knowledge for the long term.

An Ontology to Integrate Multiple Knowledge Domains of Training-Dietary-Competition in Weightlifting: A Nutritional Approach

“…4) Fourth generation with main focus on strengthening modularity and reuse of engineering design ontologies to better deal with the complexity of knowledge that is required to be brought together to support the design of knowledge-based decisionmaking system. It is mainly represented by the novel knowledge-based engineering (KBE) framework which adopts best practices from previous ontology development methods along with a modeldriven architecture style to implement platformindependent knowledge-enabled product design systems, e.g., within the aerospace industry [12]. Another representative of this generation is the middleout approach suggested by Obrst et al [13], mixing aspects of top-down and bottom-up analyses.…”

Ontological models for information retrieval of product-service

“…These solutions are the result of the tool evaluation in real time. This occurs as a the result of an agreement between the specialists and/or end users of the developed tool (see [18,42,49,57,59]). …”

“…In [49] it is proposed a knowledge-based engineering framework which uses an approach based on an ontology for semantic knowledge management. This work adopts a modeldriven architecture from the software engineering discipline for developing platform-independent knowledge-based engineering systems in the aerospace industry.…”

A framework for developing engineering design ontologies within the aerospace industry

“…In a recent critical review of semantic technologies (Agyapong-Kodua et al 2013), it was identified that ontology frameworks often do not specify pre-development and post-development phases of ontology design activities. Most of the research undertaken within the scope of product design has mainly focused on the development and implementation of semantic technologies (Sanya and Shehab 2014). Little has been done to address the methodological frameworks used to develop ontologies in support of engineering design.…”