Ontology-Based Exchange of Product Data Semantics between CAD and CAE

The interoperation of various applications will need a representation that goes beyond the traditional geometry-based one, which is inadequate for capturing semantic information. This paper proposes an approach to annotate the CAD models based on ontology with the aim of making the design intent understood by computer and applied in engineering analysis, such as FEA. The paper presents the design domain ontology and FEA domain ontology, and applies feature technologies and the semantic Web to complete annotation. Semantic markup can embed the engineering semantic information such as product function, and design principle into the CAD geometry data through annotating, it makes the analyzers reuse design ideas quickly and conveniently to increase efficiency. The semantic file is proposed to support an exchange of product data semantics between CAD and CAE. The main idea of the approach is presented and key technologies are elaborated, including the creation of the FEA solution template, and the matching algorithm between semantic markup file and FEA template file. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach is empirically validated by a case study.