Uncertainties in Adoption of Model-Based Definition and Enterprise for High-Value Manufacturing

The world is adopting digital technologies at a rapid pace which are the key enablers to improve every walk of life in the modern era. This quest for digitization has equal rigor within the manufacturing industry. 2D drawings have been used historically to define the specifications of a product for manufacturing. The evolution in digital technologies has made it possible to improve the way of representing these specifications in the form of 3D models which is known as Model-Based Definition (MBD). However, the 2D representation is still the authoritative source within the industry for engineering definition and related documents in the product lifecycle. Though MBD has been adopted in design, discrete part manufacturing, and inspection stages to some extent, the industry heavily relies on the conventional 2D representation of product definition. The digitization process of product definition lies within the adoption of MBD as the authoritative source for all the enterprise activities which is referred to as Model- based Enterprise (MBE). However, there are several uncertainties and risks in this process. In this work, it is ascertained to formulate the key uncertainties in the transformation towards MBD/E. These uncertainties are categorized and analyzed further for visualization.

3D Interpreted Model: A Novel Product Definition Model by Integrating and Fusing a 3D Annotated Model and Design Knowledge

Model based definition (MBD) is the core of product digital research and development. The extension of the scope and content of the product model is an important way to improve the application ability of MBD methodology. In view of the demand of the development of the product definition method and the lack of systematic theoretical methods to support the further improvement of product model quality and ability, this paper proposes the concept of a 3D interpreted model as a new product definition model by integrating and fusing design knowledge on the basis of the MBD model. Firstly, the concept, characteristics and representation method of the 3D interpreted model are elaborated. Then, the construction method of the 3D interpreted model is proposed, which includes two steps. The first step is design knowledge annotation, which is used to integrate design knowledge with the MBD model and form the 3D interpreted model in a CAD environment. The second step is information extraction and knowledge fusion, which is used to construct a 3D interpreted model network by processing the product information and design knowledge stored in a STEP file and knowledge index file, respectively. Finally, a prototype system is developed, and the construction process of a 3D interpreted model is demonstrated and verified through an example. The results show that as a new product definition model, a 3D interpreted model realizes the comprehensive integration of a MBD model and design knowledge, so as to realize the inheritance and development of the product definition method, and supports business activities and saves more social resources.

The Evolution from Digital Mock-Up to Digital Twin

This paper summarizes the development and evolution from digital mock-up (DMU) to digital twin (DT) by clarifying the connotation of DT from prospective of digital product definition (DPD). Firstly, taking Airbus as example, the evolution of DMU is introduced, with the detailed analysis of configured DMU, functional DMU, and industrial DMU. Secondly, based on the literature review of DT, the definition, purpose and several applications of DT concept are clearly expounded. Finally, the augmentation for DT and DPD’s relationship are deduced.

Frontiers in non-union research

Multifactorial aetiology defines non-unions, with a biological and a mechanical distortion of the timeline of bone healing. Research on new advances to increase osteogenesis and promote non-union healing is strongly directed towards new forms of cell products. Basic science and research on non-union treatments is needed to compile preclinical data on new treatments. Bone marrow concentration and expanded mesenchymal stromal cells still require extensive clinical research to confirm efficacy in non-union treatment. Solid preclinical studies, precise cell product definition and preparation, and appropriate ethical and regulatory approvals are needed to assess new advanced therapy medicinal products. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:574-583. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190062