# OntoIMM: An Ontology for Product Intelligent Master Model
## 2 Related Works  
### Product Master Model and Intelligent Master Model  
Engineering product development refers to integrating various process models, including geometric model, dynamic model, quality analysis model, and finite element model and so on. To achieve the integration and interoperability, a common model must exist to provide different views for different analysis domains [15]. The master model approach, which automatically links the different functional analysis view models, is one way to address this challenge [7; 8; 16]. Master model [6] is a single product definition to enable rapid design and analysis iterations. It provides all the information necessary for design and analysis, and then accesses results information to update itself. In this way, the product information is updated during the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) process [17]. Many researchers have carried on deep research on MM theory and obtained meaningful applications. [PERSON] et al. [18] argued that MM is a software-based central database which deposits all kinds information of geometry and non-geometry concerning product and process. [PERSON] [19] proposed a new CAD/CAE integrated strategy based on MM to create the required CAD and CAE models. [PERSON] et al. [20] described the development of a MM concept of the DEMO vacuum vessel (VV), and in order to simplify future finite element (FE) analyses, a surface modeling technique was adopted and efficiently linked to the FE (Finite Element) code. With the fusion of KBE and product control structure (PCS), linked model environment (LME), MM is rendered as an intelligent master model (IMM). IMM first proposed by the FIPER project [7; 8] under the sponsorship of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). In addition to know-what information of design, IMM captures the intent behind the product design by representing know-why and know-how knowledge concerning product and its development process. The geometric definition is only one view (aspect) of the product information associated with the total product definition. It also contains part dependencies, geometric and non-geometric attributes, quality and cost constraints, and manufacturing producibility. In order to enhance MM to IMM based on KBE, many efforts have been made. [PERSON] et al. [9] suggested that an extension to IMM process is the use of KBE technique, which allows rapid changes in engine configuration and automation of the definition of complex engine components. To address the intelligence in process design and the integration of knowledge and design methods, [PERSON] et al. [21] proposed a process design IMM based on KBE to integrate design process and relevant technologies. [PERSON] et al. [22] reported that KBE has been exploited to develop a flexible design system and to integrate a heterogeneous set of distributed discipline-specific design and analysis tools into a modular design framework. The core units of the framework contain multimodel generator (MMG), which can generate many aircraft component configurations based on high level primitives (HLPs). [PERSON] et al. [17; 23; 24; 25] presented a knowledge-based master model approach (KBMM) to integrate design and analysis models. The master model approach promotes the existence of a single governing version of the product definition as well as operating scenarios. To provide more flexibility in geometry change and linked analysis model, KBE can be used to control the MM. Compared to traditional parametric CAD systems, and since KBE can enable more flexible geometry configuration, they argued it is possible to further enhance the master model ideas by using the capabilities of KBE software within a CAD system. However, the research efforts mainly concentrate on the design automationbased on KBE, especially for some geometry modeling, lacking the support of other intelligent design activities, such as system level controlling, reasoning and judging, design decision-making.