# Presentation: 319179

## Characterizing Fine-Grained Associativity Gaps:A Preliminary Study of CAD-CAE Model Interoperability

- Russell.Peak@marc.gatech.edu*http://itimes.marc.gatech.edu/*
*http://eislab.gatech.edu/projects/ *

*2003 Aerospace Product Data Exchange (APDE) Workshop *
*April 7-9, 2003*
*NIST **• **Gaithersburg, Maryland *

*A full report version is available here: *_[http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/ ](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)_

## AbstractConference Series Archive: http://step.nasa.gov/

**Characterizing Fine-Grained Associativity Gaps:****A Preliminary Study of CAD-CAE Model Interoperability**
- This presentation describes an initial study towards characterizing model associativity gaps and other engineering interoperability problems.  Drawing on over a decade of X-analysis integration (XAI)  research and development, it uses the XAI multi-representation architecture (MRA) as a means to decompose the problem and guide identification of potential key metrics.
- A few such metrics are highlighted from the aerospace industry.  These include number of structural analysis users, number of analysis templates, and identification of computing environment components (e.g., number of CAD and CAE tools used in an example aerospace electronics design environment).
- One problem, denoted the fine-grained associativity gap, is highlighted in particular.  Today such a gap in the CAD-CAE arena typically requires manual effort to connect an attribute in a design model (CAD) with attributes in one of its analysis models (CAE).  This study estimates that **1 million such gaps** exist in the structural analysis of a complex product like an airframe.  The labor cost alone to manually maintain such gaps likely runs in the tens of millions of dollars.  Other associativity gap costs have yet to be estimated, including over- and under-design, lack of knowledge capture, and inconsistencies.
- Narrowing in on fundamental gaps like fine-grained associativity helps both to characterize the cost of today’s problems and to identify basic solution needs.  Other studies are recommended to explore such facets further.
*A full report version is available here: *_[http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/ ](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)_

- X = design, mfg., sustainment, and other lifecycle phases.

## Model Interoperability Challenges: Heterogeneous  Transformations

- Heterogeneous Transformation

- Homogeneous Transformation

- Design
- Model A

- Design
- Model B

- Design
- Model A

- Analysis
- Model A

## Analogy: Bottom-Up Budget Estimation

*Goal: Conceptual Framework*
*for Complex Model Interoperability *
*Characterization & Solutions*

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## Example Industrial Needs:Common Structures Workstation (CSW) Request for Information Publicly available document (see http://eislab.gatech.edu/projects/boeing-psi/2000-06-csw-rfi/ )

## Current Typical Airframe Structural Analysis Process

- From: Request for Information (RFI): Common Structures Workstation (CSW).
- June 14, 2000.  The Boeing Company.
- Available at http://eislab.gatech.edu/projects/boeing-psi/2000-06-csw-rfi/

## Common Structures Workstation (CSW) Design Requirements and Objectives: Contents

## Example Part-based Analysis Template

- Example Part-based Analysis Template

## Connection with CAD-based Geometric Parameters

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)

- Holding Account
- Billing & Payable

- E-CAE Toolsmiths and Workstations

- DNP Operations

- Toolsmiths
- Workstations

- Servers & Sys Admin

- M-CAE Servers& Sys Admin

- Servers & SA

- TMOD Severs

**** Not DNP Operations***

- CAE Cost Centers

- JPL Projects and Technical Divisions

- Customers

- SoapSat Took Kit SDKDoorsApGenFast Flight

- Ansoft HPEE SofSonnet

- Mentor GraphicsCadenceMathworks MatlabSynopsysSynplicityIlogix StatemateOrcad AutoCad RelexAvant!
- Place & Route- Actel- Xilinx - Atmel
*(and many more)*

- PTC Computer VisionPTC Pro-ESDRC IdeasSDRC FemapSolid WorksCosmosNASTRANAdamsSinda/Fluent
_**PDMS -**_
- EDMGSDRC MetaphaseSherpa

- Visual ToolSetsCool JexPercepsRational RoseRuifyHarlequin LISPI-Logix Rhapsody

- Code VLensViewTraceProZemax

*Software Tools*

- M-CAE Toolsmithsand Workstations

- Adapted from “Computer Aided Engineering Tool Service at JPL” - 2001-07-22 - Mike Dickerson -NASA-JPL

- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)

*~100 tools*

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Constrained object knowledge representation
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability (*e.g., between CAD-CAE models*)
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## Example Chip Package Products Source: www.shinko.co.jp

- Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) Packages

- Quad Flat Packs (QFPs)

- Wafer Level Package (WLP)

- System-in-Package (SIP)

- Glass-to-Metal Seals

## Flexible High Diversity Design-Analysis Integration Electronic Packaging Examples: Chip Packages/Mounting  Shinko Electric Project: Phase 1 (production usage)

- Flexible High Diversity Design-Analysis Integration *Electronic Packaging Examples: Chip Packages/Mounting ** Shinko Electric Project: Phase 1 (production usage)*

**EBGA, PBGA, QFP**

**Analysis Modules (CBAMs) **
** ****of Diverse **_**Behavior**_** & *****Fidelity***** **

**FEA***Ansys*

**General Math**
*Mathematica*

**Analyzable ****Product Model**

*XaiTools*

*XaiTools*
*ChipPackage*

_**Thermal**_
_**Resistance**_

***3******D***

**Modular, Reusable**
**Template Libraries**

**Analysis Tools**

**Design Tools**

**PWB DB**

**Materials DB***

**Prelim/APM Design Tool**

*XaiTools ChipPackage*

_**Thermal**__**Stress**_

***Basic***
***3D*****

- ** = Demonstration module

**Basic**
**Documentation**
**Automation**

**Authoring***MS Excel*

## ProAM Design-Analysis IntegrationElectronic Packaging Examples: PWA/B 

- ProAM Design-Analysis Integration*Electronic Packaging Examples: PWA/B *

**Analysis Modules (CBAMs) **
** ****of Diverse **_**Mode**_** & *****Fidelity***** **

**Design Tools**

**Laminates DB**

**FEA*** **Ansys*

**General Math**
*Mathematica*

**Analyzable ****Product Model**

*XaiTools**PWA-B*

*XaiTools*
*PWA-B*

_**Solder Joint**_
_**Deformation**_*****

_**PTH**_
_**Deformation **_
_**& Fatigue**_******

***1D,***
***2D***

***1D,***
***2D,***
***3D***

**Modular, Reusable**
**Template Libraries**

**ECAD Tools*** *
*Mentor Graphics, *
*Accel**

**Analysis Tools**

_**PWB**_
_**Warpage**_

***1D,***
***2D***

**Materials DB**

**PWB Stackup Tool**
*XaiTools PWA-B*

- STEP AP210‡
- GenCAM**,
- PDIF*

- ‡ AP210 DIS WD1.7    * = Item not yet available in toolkit (all others have working examples)    ** = Item available via U-Engineer.com

## Analysis Template Methodology & X-Analysis Integration Objectives (X=Design, Mfg., etc.)

**Goal:**
- Improve engineering processes via analysis templates with enhanced CAx-CAE interoperability
**Challenges (Gaps):**
- Idealizations & Heterogeneous Transformations
- Diversity: Information, Behaviors, Disciplines, Fidelity, Feature Levels, CAD/CAE Methods & Tools, ...
- Multi-Directional Associativity:
- DesignAnalysis, Analysis  Analysis
**Focus:**
- Capture analysis template knowledge for modular, regular design usage
**Approach:**
- Multi-Representation Architecture (MRA)using Constrained Objects (COBs)

## X-Analysis Integration Techniquesfor CAD-CAE Interoperabilityhttp://eislab.gatech.edu/research/

- a. Multi-Representation Architecture (MRA)

- b. Explicit Design-Analysis Associativity

- c. Analysis Module Creation Methodology

## An Introduction to X-Analysis Integration (XAI) Short Course Outline

- Part 1: Constrained Objects (COBs) Primer
- Nomenclature
- Part 2: Multi-Representation Architecture (MRA) Primer
- Analysis Integration Challenges
- Overview of COB-based XAI
- Ubiquitization Methodology
- Part 3: Example Applications
- Airframe Structural Analysis (Boeing)
- Circuit Board Thermomechanical Analysis (DoD: ProAM; JPL/NASA)
- Chip Package Thermal Analysis (Shinko)
- Summary
- Part 4: Advanced Topics & Current Research

## Multi-Representation Architecture for Design-Analysis Integration

*O(100) tools*

## Analyzable Product Models (APMs)

- Solid
- Modeler

- Materials
- Database

- Fasteners
- Database

- Design Applications

- Analysis Applications

- FEA-Based
- Analysis

- Formula-
- Based
- Analysis

*Combine*
*information*

*Add reusable*
*multifidelity*
*idealizations*

- Analyzable Product Model
- (APM)

- ...

*Provide advanced access to design data needed by diverse analyses.*

*Support multi-directionality*

## Multi-Fidelity IdealizationsSame Behavior; Idealized Geometries of Varying Dimension

- inboard beam

**Design Model (MCAD)**

**Analysis Models (MCAE)**

***1D Beam/Stick Model***

***3D Continuum/Brick Model***

- flap support assembly

**Behavior = Deformation **

## Flap Link Geometric Model(with idealizations)

- 28b

## Flap Linkage ExampleManufacturable Product Model (MPM) = Design Description

- Extended Constraint Graph

- Constrained Object (COB) Structure (template)

## Flap Linkage ExampleAnalyzable Product Model (APM) = MPM Subset + Idealizations

- Extended Constraint Graph

- Partial COB Structure (COS)

- effective_length, Leff ==
-  	 inter_axis_length -
- 	(sleeve1.hole.cross_section.radius +
- 	 sleeve2.hole.cross_section.radius)

## Concurrent Multi-FidelityCross-Section Representations

- MULTI_LEVEL_COB cross_section;
-    design : filleted_tapered_I_section;
-    tapered : tapered_I_section;
-    basic : basic_I_section;
- RELATIONS
-  PRODUCT_IDEALIZATION_RELATIONS
-    pir8 : "<basic.total_height> == <design.total_height>";
-    pir9 : "<basic.flange_width> == <design.flange_width>";
-    pir10 : "<basic.flange_thickness> == <design.flange_base_thickness>";
-    pir11 : "<basic.web_thickness> == <design.web_thickness>";
-    pir12 : "<tapered.total_height> == <design.total_height>";
-    pir13 : "<tapered.flange_width> == <design.flange_width>";
-    pir14 : "<tapered.flange_base_thickness> == <design.flange_base_thickness>";
-    pir15 : "<tapered.flange_taper_thickness> == <design.flange_taper_thickness>";
-    pir16 : "<tapered.flange_taper_angle> == <design.flange_taper_angle>";
-    pir17 : "<tapered.web_thickness> == <design.web_thickness>";
- END_MULTI_LEVEL_COB;

- Detailed Design Cross-Section

- Idealized Cross-Sections

- Associativity Relations between
- Cross-Section Fidelities

## Flap Link APMImplementation in CATIA v5

- Design Model

- Idealized Model

- Design-Idealization Relation

- Flap Link APMImplementation in CATIA v5

## Multi-Representation Architecture for Design-Analysis Integration

*O(100) types*

## Analysis Building Blocks (ABBs)

***Analysis Primitives***

- Beam

- Distributed Load

- Rigid

- Support

- Cantilever Beam System

***Analysis Systems***

- - Primitive building blocks

- - Containers of ABB "assemblies"

***Material Models***

***Specialized***

***General***

- - Predefined templates

- - User-defined systems

***Analysis Variables***

***Discrete Elements***

***Interconnections***

***Continua***

- Plane Strain Body

- Linear-

- Elastic

- Bilinear

- Plastic

- Plate

- Low Cycle

- Fatigue

- Mass

- Spring

- Damper

- No-Slip

- Temperature,

- Stress,

- Strain,

- 

- 

*T*

***Geometry***

*Object representation of product-independent **analytical engineering concepts*

## Common Structures Workstation (CSW) Request for Information June 2000, The Boeing Company. Appendix B: Required Standard Analysis Methods

- Available at http://eislab.gatech.edu/projects/boeing-psi/2000-06-csw-rfi/

*~110 *
*generic template*
*groupings*

## Appendix B: Required Standard Analysis Methods					(continued) 

- Appendix B: Required Standard Analysis Methods					(continued)

## COB-based Libraries of Analysis Building Blocks (ABBs)Material Model and Continuum ABBs - Constraint Schematic-S

- Material Model ABB

- Continuum ABBs

- modular
- re-usage

- Torsional Rod

- Extensional Rod

- 1D Linear Elastic Model

## COB-based Libraries of Analysis Building Blocks (ABBs)Material Model and Continuum ABBs - COB Structure-S

- COB one_D_linear_elastic_model SUBTYPE_OF elastic_model;
-    youngs_modulus, E : REAL;
-    poissons_ratio,  : REAL;
-    cte,  : REAL;
-    shear_modulus, G : REAL;
-    strain,  : REAL;
-    stress,  : REAL;
-    shear_stress,   : REAL;
-    shear_strain,  : REAL;
-    thermal_strain, t : REAL;
-    elastic_strain, e : REAL;
-    temperature_change, T : REAL;
-  RELATIONS
-    r1 : "<shear_modulus> * ( 2 * (1 + <poissons_ratio> ) )
- 	== <youngs_modulus> ";
-    r2 : "<strain> == <elastic_strain> + <thermal_strain>";
-    r3 : "<elastic_strain> == <stress> / <youngs_modulus>";
-    r4 : "<thermal_strain> == <cte> * <temperature_change>";
-    r5 : "<shear_strain> == <shear_stress> / <shear_modulus>";
- END_COB;
- COB one_D_linear_elastic_model_isothermal SUBTYPE_OF one_D_linear_elastic_model;
-   RELATIONS
-    r6 : "<temperature_change> == 0";
- END_COB;

- COB slender_body SUBTYPE_OF deformable_body;
-    undeformed_length, L0 : REAL;
-    reference_temperature, T0 : REAL;
-    temperature, T : REAL;
- RELATIONS
-    sb1 : "<material_model.temperature_change>
- 	 == <temperature> - <reference_temperature>";
- END_COB;
- COB extensional_rod SUBTYPE_OF slender_body;
-    start, x1 : REAL;
-    end, x2 : REAL;
-    length, L : REAL;
-    total_elongation, &Delta;L : REAL;
-    force, F : REAL;
-    area, A : REAL;
-    material_model : one_D_linear_elastic_model_noShear;
-  RELATIONS
-    er1 : "<length> == <end> - <start>";
-    er2 : "<total_elongation> == <length> - <undeformed_length>";
-    er3 : "<material_model.strain> == <total_elongation> / <undeformed_length>";
-    er4 : "<material_model.stress> == <force> / <area>";
- END_COB;

## Appendix B: Required Standard Analysis Methods					(continued) 

- Appendix B: Required Standard Analysis Methods					(continued)

## Multi-Representation Architecture for Design-Analysis Integration

*O(10,000)*

## COB-based Constraint Schematic for Multi-Fidelity CAD-CAE InteroperabilityFlap Link Benchmark Example

## Tutorial Example:Flap Link Analysis Template (CBAM)

- Tutorial Example:Flap Link Analysis Template (CBAM)

## FEA-based Analysis Subsystem Used in Linkage Plane Stress Model (2D Analysis Problem)

**Higher fidelity** version
- vs. Linkage Extensional Model

*ABB**SMM*

*SMM Template*

## Flap Link Extensional Model (CBAM)Example COB Instance in XaiTools (object-oriented spreadsheet)

- Flap Link Extensional Model (CBAM)Example COB Instance in *XaiTools **(object-oriented spreadsheet)*

- Detailed CAD data
- from CATIA

- Idealized analysis features in APM

- Explicit multi-directional associativity
- between design & analysis

- Modular generic analysis templates
- (ABBs)

- Library data for materials

*Focus Point of*
*CAD-CAE Integration*

- example 1, state 1

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## Quantity estimates by MRA representation type

*O(100) tools*

*O(100) types*

*O(10,000)*

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## CAD-CAE associativity relations are represented as APM-ABB relations (in CBAMs)

*O(1,000,000) relations*

*An associativity *_*gap*_* **is a computer-*_*in*_*sensible relation*

## Associativity Gapsbetween CAD and CAE Models

- Channel Fitting Analysis

- Associativity Gapsbetween CAD and CAE Models

**Analysis Model**** **
- (with Idealized Features)

**Detailed Design Model**

## Flexible High Diversity Design-Analysis Integration Phases 1-3 Airframe Examples:“Bike Frame” / Flap Support Inboard Beam

**Analysis Tools**

- Flexible High Diversity Design-Analysis Integration* Phases 1-3 Airframe Examples:**“Bike Frame” / Flap Support Inboard Beam*

**Analysis Modules (CBAMs) **
** ****of Diverse **_**Feature:Mode**_**, & *****Fidelity***** **

**Design Tools**

**Materials DB**

**FEA**
*Elfini**

*MATDB-like*

**Analyzable ****Product Model**

*XaiTools*

*XaiTools*

_**Fitting:**__**Bending/Shear **_

***3D***

***1.5D***

**Modular, Reusable**
**Template Libraries**

**MCAD Tools**
*CATIA v4, v5*

_**Lug:**__**Axial/Oblique; **__**Ultimate/Shear **_

***1.5D***

_**Assembly:**_
_**Ultimate/**__**FailSafe/Fatigue**_*****

- * = Item not yet available in toolkit (all others have working examples)

**Fasteners DB**

*FASTDB-like*

**General Math*** *
*Mathematica*
**In-House****Codes**

- Image API
- (CATGEO);
- VBScript

## “Bike Frame” Bulkhead Fitting Analysis TemplateUsing Constrained Object (COB) Knowledge/Info Representation

*18 CAD-CAE associativity relations*

## Cost of Associativity GapsReference:  http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/ 

_**Categories of Gap Costs**_
-  Associativity time & labor
-    - Manual maintenance
-    - Little re-use
-    - Lost knowledge
-  Inconsistencies
-  Limited analysis usage
-     - Fewer parts analyzed
-     - Fewer iterations per part
-  “Wrong” values
-    - Too conservative:          *Extra part costs and**         performance inefficiencies*
-    - Too loose:          *Re-work, failures, law suits*

## Cost Estimate per Complex Product    p.1/2 Manual Maintenance of Associativity Gaps in Structural Analysis Problems

- Reference:	_[http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)__[EL004](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)__[/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)_

## Cost Estimate per Complex Product    p.2/2Manual Maintenance of Associativity Gaps in Structural Analysis Problems

- Reference:	_[http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)__[EL004](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)__[/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/pubs/reports/EL004/)_

## “Bike Frame” Bulkhead Fitting Analysis TemplateUsing Constrained Object (COB) Knowledge/Info Representation

*18 associativity relations*

## Contents 

- Background
- Example Airframe Structural Analysis Needs (Boeing)
- Example CAD/E/X Toolset (JPL)
- Multi-Representation Architecture
- Conceptual framework for complex model interoperability
- Quantity estimates by representation type
- Characterization of CAD-CAE Associativity Gaps
- Summary

## Complex System Representation & Simulation InteroperabilityBuilding Emergency Response Scenarios (Homeland Security)

- Russell.Peak@marc.gatech.edu 2003-02-28

## Characterizing Complex Model Interoperability Using the Multi-Representation Architecture (MRA)

- MRA: Similar to “software design patterns” for CAD-CAE domain
- Identifies patterns between CAD and CAE (including new types of objects)
- Captures multi-fidelity explicit associativity
- Provides hybrid top-down & bottom-up methodology for characterizing problems & solutions
- O(1,000,000) CAD-CAE gap estimate

## For Further Information ...

- Contact: _[Russell.Peak@marc.gatech.edu](mailto:Russell.Peak@marc.gatech.edu)_
- Web site: _[http://eislab.gatech.edu/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/)_
- Publications, project overviews, tools, etc.
- See: X-Analysis Integration (XAI) Central	_[http://eislab.gatech.edu/research/XAI_Central.doc](http://eislab.gatech.edu/research/XAI_Central.doc)_
*XaiTools*TM home page: _[http://eislab.gatech.edu/tools/XaiTools/](http://eislab.gatech.edu/tools/XaiTools/)_
- Pilot commercial ESB: _[http://www.u-engineer.com/](http://www.u-engineer.com/)_
- Internet-based self-serve analysis
- Analysis module catalog for electronic packaging
- Highly automated front-ends to general FEA & math tools

## Backup Slides

## Short Course: Using Standards-based Engineering Frameworks forElectronics Product Design and Life Cycle Support 

## Constrained Object (COB) RepresentationCurrent Technical Capabilities - Generation 2 

- Capabilities & features:
- Various forms: computable lexical forms, graphical forms, etc.
- Enables both computer automation and human comprehension
- Sub/supertypes, basic aggregates, multi-fidelity objects
- Multi-directionality (I/O changes)
- Reuses external programs as white box relations
- Advanced associativity added to COTS frameworks & wrappers
- Analysis module/template applications (XAI/MRA):
- Analysis template languages
- Product model idealizations
- Explicit associativity relations with design models & other analyses
- White box reuse of existing tools (e.g., FEA, in-house codes)
- Reusable, adaptable analysis building blocks
- Synthesis (sizing) and verification (analysis)

## Constrained Objects (cont.) Representation Characteristics & Advantages - Gen. 2

- Overall characteristics
- Declarative knowledge representation (non-causal)
- Combining object & constraint graph techniques
- COBs 	= 	(STEP EXPRESS subset) 	+			(constraint graph concepts & views)
- Advantages over traditional analysis representations
- Greater solution control
- Richer semantics (e.g., equations wrapped in engineering context)
- Unified views of diverse capabilities (tool-independent)
- Capture of reusable knowledge
- Enhanced development of complex analysis models
- Toolkit status (*XaiTools* v0.4)
- Basic framework, single user-oriented, file-based

*See Advanced Topics *
*for Gen.3 Extensions*

## Convergence of Representations

- Database Techniques
*(data structure, storage ...)*

- Software Development
*(algorithms ...)*

- Artificial Intelligence
- & Knowledge-Based Techniques
*(structure combined with algorithms/relations/behavior)*

- EER

- STEP Express

- ER

- UML

- Flow Charts

- OMT

- Objects

- Rules

- Constraint graphs

- Constrained Object - like
- Representations

- COBs, OCL, ...

## Technique Summary

- Tool independent model interoperability
- Application focus: analysis template methodology
- Multi-representation architecture (MRA) & constrained objects (COBs):
- Addresses fundamental gaps:
- Idealizations & CAD-CAE associativity: 	multi-fidelity, multi-directional, fine-grained
- Based on information & knowledge theory
- Structured, flexible, and extensible
- Improved quality, cost, time:
- Capture engineering knowledge in a reusable form
- Reduce information inconsistencies
- Increase analysis intensity & effectiveness
- Reducing modeling cycle time by 75% (production usage)