An architecture for the semantic enhancement of virtual engineering applications

Virtual Engineering (VE) is defined as the integration of geometric models and related engineering tools (such as analysis, simulation, optimization and decision-making, etc), within a computerized environment that facilitates multidisciplinary and collaborative product development. The focus of Virtual Engineering is to engage the human capacity for evaluation of complex systems and situations. In this article, we present an architecture for the Semantic enhancement of Virtual Engineering Applications (VEA) through their embedded Virtual Engineering Tools. Our architecture follows a User-Intention-Domain schema and makes use of state of the art technologies like the Set of Experience Knowledge Structure and the Reflexive Ontologies in order to offer a better User experience with VEA. The main advantages of using Semantics in VEA can be summarized are: (i) an improved information and embedded Knowledge management, (ii) Enhancements in the search, knowledge and information sharing processes during the use of the VEA, (iii) The use of the intrinsic Knowledge embedded in the elements being described by the VEA and (iv) the empowerment of the User’s knowledge and embedding of such knowledge in a structured and explicit conceptualization