OntOMat: Toward Ontology‐Based Product and Process Design Engineering and Optimization Solutions Fueling Circular Value Chains

Abstract

This study presents concepts and modeling patterns for the materials and process domains of polymer matrix fiber reinforced composite materials in the context of industrial products. Manufacturing processes covered include injection, hot compression, autoclave molding, resin transfer molding (RTM), and material extrusion (MEX). Characterization processes, i.e., X‐ray computed tomography (CT), digital holography, and mechanical testing, are modeled and applied for data generation. Physical and virtual product models are described, including multiscale design and process engineering, the latter illustrated using a MEX process. All processes are modeled using the VDI/VDE 3682 formalized process language to ensure interoperability and structure data aggregation. The material modeling concept separates intensive and extensive properties and reflects the hierarchical structure of composites, including distinct interphase modeling. The IEC 62474 classification is adopted and expanded to capture specifics of polymer matrix fiber reinforced composites. These concepts are implemented in the OntOMat ontology (OMO) using the web ontology language (OWL). Competency questions serve as requirements for ontology development and evaluation. Finally, the resulting knowledge graph is combined with a large language model to provide an interactive user interface and API based on SPARQL.