The PhysSys Ontology for Physical Systems
Pim Borst · 2003
Abstract: We give an outline ofa formalontologyfor physical systems. It is based upon system dynamics theory as practiced in engineering modelling, simulation and design. We introduce multiple engineering ontologies-system layout, physical processes underlyingbehaviour, descriptivemathematical relationsthat express different conceptual viewpoints upon a physical system. These three views combine the QR device, process and constraint approaches. It is discussed how these viewpoints can be formally specified in terms of separate generic ontologies, which are relatively loosely coupled through ontology mapping rules. These ontologies provide a formal conceptual foundation for the structure of theOLMECO library of reusable models for engineering design in mechatronics currently under development. 1