Modelling the Relation Network in the Integrated Product and Design Process Model

The aim of this paper is to consider criteria for classifying the relations in engineering data structures. Some methods of modelling the network of relationships in the object-oriented environment are proposed. The network of relations is considered as established between objects which are instances of classes in the object-oriented design process and product model. In the presented approach, the relations between objects are also viewed as objects. An instance of such class represents binary or n-ary relation between instances of elementary classes. Having a class that represents the relation, the procedures of searching, retrieving and updating are easier to implement and maintain. The prototype of proposed system is developed in object database environment.