Potential and limits of functional modelling in the CAD process

This paper gives a survey of the beginning and newest computer-aided functional modelling by German researchers. The basic principles of functional modelling are established and a representative function model is illustrated by the example of an emergency power unit. Some important methods for computer-aided modelling according to the function model are explained in detail. Following this the limits of functional modelling are outlined by describing the working arrangements of working principles using a flowchart representation of the function structure.