Functional, logical, and physical models

Teamcenter supports three types of structure:

Functional

The functional model comprises multiple building blocks that describe what the product or system does, and breaks down the top-level functions into lower levels. For example, a car transports occupants, transports luggage, protects occupants, protects pedestrians, and performs many other functions. You can break down protecting occupants into avoiding collisions and providing impact protection. The model is domain independent and is therefore also independent of the solution chosen. The building blocks map to parts or assemblies in the physical model.

Logical

The logical model describes the solution elements in abstract terms and how they interact with each other. The solution elements are then detailed out in the physical model. The logical model is the point at which you enter domain-specific design. For example, for an electromechanical product, you can create a logical model that describes the product or system in terms of input ports, output ports, interfaces, and connections.

Physical

You can map the physical model to the functional and logical models. You also map it to the physical product structure, which you then populate with CAD designs, parts, and design documents. The physical decomposition precedes the creation of CAD files, software codes, and other components; it is the final step before you hand off the emerging design to the engineers responsible for the detailed design.

Related Topics

• What is a functional model?
• Getting started