Managing engineering analysis knowledge

Computer aided engineering analysis is widely applied in industry with the rapid development of computer power and simulation technology. In particular, the design and analysis of complex systems entails multidisciplinary collaborative modeling and thus requires enormous knowledge and experience. However, current work on managing design knowledge is mainly focused on capturing knowledge about the design solutions and processes while little work has been done on investigating the knowledge about the models and processes for engineering analysis. This research is aimed at addressing this gap by developing the methodology for effective modeling and re-using the knowledge generated in the engineering analysis process. Specifically, a system framework is proposed to identify the methodology for managing engineering analysis together with the key issues involved. A knowledge model is developed to describe complex engineering analysis problems as well as their solving processes. A case study has been undertaken and preliminary results show that the proposed solutions can effectively describe the models and processes for engineering analysis whilst this preliminary research opens up further opportunities for doing further work.