Knowledge modeling for design decisions

In this paper, we share our experience in modeling and representing design knowledge relevant for engineering design decisions. We define an object mo del where classes are used to capture design standards and requirements rel evant to designed objects. The traditional object model is customized to th e representation of design knowledge in two major ways: (1) Classes represe nting design objects are augmented with design validation information. (2) Associations between classes are made explicit and used to reduce the redun dancy and maintain the consistency of the knowledge. We define the semantic s of the resulting object model and formulate the axioms that define its co nsistency. The object model is defined in the context of stamping design kn owledge. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.