Function Modeling Based on Interactions of Mass, Energy and Information

The authors are working towards a universal product model theory that captures essential aspects of designed product representation. In a previous paper, Salustri established the basis of a theory of function modeling that could be integrated into the universal product model theory. The current paper expands on that work by establishing a small set of primitive function types in terms of basic interactions between mass, energy, and information. It is found that function is intimately coupled to many other aspects of product modeling, including ontology, mereology, and context logic. The authors believe it can represent most (perhaps all) product functions. Some implications of the framework for knowledge representation and for product modeling are discussed.