# NFT-Based Framework for Digital Twin Management in Aviation Component Lifecycle Tracking
## 4 Discussion
### The Relationships Between NFT-Based Components in the Aviation Lifecycle Management System  
The relationships between data sources, digital twins, blockchain, NFTs, and other components in this aviation lifecycle management system create a complex, interconnected ecosystem (Figure 15).  
Figure 14: The relationship between updates and the NFT structure.  
The system begins with the physical aviation component and various data sources. These data sources feed information about the component's status, performance, and environment directly into the digital twin. This relationship establishes the foundation for creating an accurate digital representation of the physical asset.  
The digital twin serves as a crucial bridge between the physical world and the digital realm. It is represented by an NFT and stored in decentralized storage. This relationship allows for a comprehensive, up-to-date digital model of the physical component, which can be accessed and analyzed without direct interaction with the physical asset.  
The NFT acts as the unique digital identity for the aviation component. It is hosted on the blockchain, which provides immutability and security. The NFT points to the detailed data stored in the decentralized storage, creating a link between the blockchain's security and the rich data set of the digital twin.  
The blockchain hosts the NFTs and serves as the underlying trust layer for the entire system. It ensures the integrity and immutability of critical data, particularly the NFT metadata and ownership information.  
Smart contracts play a central role in managing the interactions within the system. They are triggered by stakeholders and interact with the NFTs. This relationship allows for the automated, trustless execution of predefined rules and processes, such as ownership transfers or regulatory checks.  
The stakeholders interact with the system primarily through smart contracts. They can trigger actions, access information, and manage the NFTs. This relationship ensures that all stakeholder interactions are recorded and executed according to predefined rules.  
Regulatory systems verify compliance using the NFTs. This relationship allows for real-time, transparent regulatory oversight without the need for manual audits or inspections.  
The supply chain tracks components using the NFTs. This relationship enables seamless tracking of parts throughout their lifecycle, from manufacture to retirement, enhancing traceability and reducing the risk of counterfeit parts entering the system.  
Decentralized storage serves as the repository for the detailed digital twin data. Both the NFT and the digital twin point to this storage, creating a relationship that balances the need for detailed data storage with blockchain efficiency.  
The system incorporates a continuous update cycle. Data sources feed new information to the digital twin, which is then stored in the decentralized storage. The NFT is updated to point to the latest version of these data, ensuring that the digital representation always reflects the current state of the physical component.  
The intricate relationships between data sources, digital twins, blockchain, NFTs, and other components in this system create a robust, transparent, and efficient framework for managing aviation components throughout their lifecycle. This ecosystem uses the strengths of each technology--the immutability of blockchain, the uniqueness of NFTs, the detail of digital twins, and the capacity of decentralized storage--to address the complex needs of the aviation industry.  
Figure 15: Relationships in the NFT-based aviation component management system.