We propose a new integrated computational environment to support design object modeling, during engineering design process that requires a variety of design object models, such as a geometric model, a control model, and a finite element model. To integrate multiple design object models, we have developed a mechanism called a metamodel mechanism that maintains consistency among various models. The metamodel mechanism represents relationships among concepts used in these models and is useful, for example, to conduct concurrent engineering practices. In this framework, we formalize a design process as operations to the metamodel. This paper expands the concept of the metamodel mechanism to allow plugging in external design object modelers. We call it a pluggable metamodel mechanism on which design process knowledge navigates a design process by choosing the most appropriate design object modeler. Finally, we describe a prototype system and illustrate an example design.

We propose a new integrated computational environment to support design object modeling, during engineering design process that requires a variety of design object models, such as a geometric model, a control model, and a finite element model. To integrate multiple design object models, we have developed a mechanism called a metamodel mechanism that maintains consistency among various models. The metamodel mechanism represents relationships among concepts used in these models and is useful, for example, to conduct concurrent engineering practices. In this framework, we formalize a design process as operations to the metamodel. This paper expands the concept of the metamodel mechanism to allow plugging in external design object modelers. We call it a pluggable metamodel mechanism on which design process knowledge navigates a design process by choosing the most appropriate design object modeler. Finally, we describe a prototype system and illustrate an example design.