Ontology-Based Approach to Transform Fatigue Properties of Branched Sheet Metal Products for Use in Algorithm-Based Product Development

Abstract

In order to shorten the design process of a multi-chambered profile, it is important to integrate the Technological Findings of the production and the evaluation of the manufactured product in a structured and systematic way, providing mathematical optimization. The development of profiles exposed to cyclic mechanical loading has to take into consideration their fatigue properties. This paper proposes a classification structure of the existing Technological Findings of Linear Flow Splitting and the continuous manufacturing line. The classification is realized by an ontology, modeling the manufacturing processes, machines, the geometry of the semi-finished product, sub-processes, engaged machine components and specific conditions for the employed material. A profile manufactured by linear flow splitting is subject to severe changes of local material properties. This affects the fatigue properties of the profile. The paper focuses on preparing the integration of these fatigue properties in a simplified approach into the mathematical optimization. The approach is developed by modeling examples of profiles with different material properties by methods of mathematical optimization. The examples are applied to a numerical fatigue evaluation. Results and conclusions drawn of this analysis are incorporated in the ontology as data and rules, serving as an input for the optimization.