A framework for capturing design analysis knowledge for reuse

Engineering companies are increasingly relying on information-intensive methods and tools to support decision-making in product design and development. Design analysis is a critical stage where extensive information is drawn from various stages to aid design embodiment. The availability and management of information to support modern analyses with confidence has, however, proven a significant challenge so far. A process modelling approach is proposed for recording instances of design analyses in a structured and formalised manner to improve information traceability and reuse. This paper explores the initial ideas and issues in defining an extended product model based on previous work, literature survey and case studies.