Feature processing as Kernel for integrated CAE systems

For the integration of the tasks to be mastered within the product development process it is necessary to take account of non-geometrical information, from design to manufacturing process, alongside geometrical design shape. The introduction of objects as carriers of semantic information leads to the use of features. In the present contribution, a concept and its realization are described that facilitate a flexible definition and computer-internal representation as well as the interpretation of features as semantically endowed objects. Based on the feature model, basic functionalitites for feature processing are introduced, which serve as a common kernel for integrated CAE-Systems.