Abstract
We present a database architecture for exploring, classifying, and visualizing feature-based parametric CAD models based on quantitative complexity metrics. The system consists of (1) an external relational database structure where models are stored along with their graph representation and the numerical values of each complexity metric, (2) a client module that is integrated in the user’s CAD system and facilitates navigation within the repository, and (3) a report generation module that allows exporting CAD complexity data from the external repository to other applications for validation and analysis. In this paper, we justify the need for our system in the context of data analytics and discuss the rationale of its design as well as its architecture and implementations details. Finally, we describe a use case that illustrates the application of our framework in the characterization and evaluation of CAD models.
