Supporting the sharing and reuse of modelling and simulation design knowledge

Modelling and simulation is used to support a number of engineering processes including product design, testing and maintenance. However, knowledge management support for modelling and simulation is currently poor. Here we present technological and methodological support for knowledge sharing and reuse in the modelling and simulation domain. The Clockwork approach has three key aspects. First, knowledge management support focuses on key stages and transitions in the design process. Second, rationale is integrated with work activities and engineering models to minimise additional effort on the part of the designer. Third, support is provided for knowledge formalisation and generalisation to increase the value of explicated knowledge. The Clockwork methodology and toolkit have been tested and deployed in two industrial case studies. Preliminary trials suggest that the Clockwork approach effectively supports reuse, expediting the modelling and simulation process.