Usage of Data Provenance Models in Collaborative Multi-Disciplinary Aero-Engine Design

Abstract

The collaborative multi-disciplinary design of aircraft engines is a complex and highly iterative process. An essential characteristic of this design process is the involvement of a large number of experts from different disciplines, as well as the usage of numerous tools and workflows. Large amounts of data are produced and need to be exchanged via a multitude of interfaces. Furthermore, the data undergoes various transformations in the course of the design process. Understanding where a certain piece of data originates from and how it is connected to other datasets becomes therefore progressively essential. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to apply data provenance models in collaborative multi-disciplinary aero-engine design, supported by an approach for data standardization and identification. Besides the methodology, the software implementation to support this approach is presented in detail, including automated capturing and storage of provenance data, as well as methods for data investigation. In addition the presented methodology is evaluated by means of practical examples from the field of preliminary aero-engine design.