Conceptual modeling of basic properties and states of mechanical objects

Changes in the strength and service life of mechanical objects are caused by the occurrence of physical, mechanical and chemical degradation processes in them. The existing formalization of these processes does not always provide sufficient accuracy in predicting and substantiating the methods and means for diagnosing damage, malfunction and catastrophic failures. Such events are caused by some uncertainty of the influencing factors and properties of the object. One of the methods for solving the problem of uncertainty is to use all the experimental information on changes in the corresponding properties and states of objects. Information must be identified and systematized to reflect the cause-and-effect relationships between the influencing factors, object properties and the degradation processes and phenomena caused by them. Additional concepts and classification features reflecting the main factors, properties and events accompanying the stages of changing the states of objects are substantiated. The set of influencing factors, material and design properties is defined as a degradation mechanism causing damage, malfunction, failure and the corresponding states of objects. The listed events are represented by features, and the states are represented by parameters. A tabular model reflecting their interrelationship has been constructed. A graphical model has been developed linking the relevant data with the degradation process as a sequence of events and states. The developed models represent an information and analytical basis for planning additional tests and specifying the properties of the objects being created, determining the methods and means for predicting and diagnosing catastrophic failures and preventing them. A conceptual algorithm for using models to predict the degradation processes of a specific object based on design and technological documentation is presented.