PMDco v3.0.0-rc2

Release Notes

This release candidate (RC2) continues the stabilization and refinement of the core ontology in preparation for the upcoming release. It focuses on consolidating recent modeling decisions, improving consistency and validation, and extending coverage in key areas.

• Ontology cleanup and refinement (process taxonomy, axioms, definitions)
• Improved value and measurement modeling (value specifications/setting etc.)
• Added and refined materials, microstructure, texture, and diameter concepts
• Introduced workflow-processing concepts and Semantikon support
• Fixed inconsistencies, SHACL validation issues, identifiers, and definitions
• Updated documentation, shapes, imports, and release infrastructure

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Pull Requests:

• Change labels from German to English in pmdco.ttl by @samwaseda in #242
• Meeting 04 12 2025 by @joergwa in #245
• fixed some labels de to en and added DIN 8580 group 1.2 terms by @POTUSAITEJA in #247
• 243 latest release bugfixes by @cmllezr in #249
• removed mentioned of scalar measurement datum by @cmllezr in #251
• 244 clean up processes taxonomy by @cmllezr in #253
• Add minimum requirements for material definition (SubClassOf) by @webhart in #254
• Update shape-data.ttl by @joergwa in #260
• Update shape-data.ttl by @joergwa in #264
• New HTML Docs by @POTUSAITEJA in #258
• 265 fix minor taxonomy issues for microstrusture description by @cmllezr in #266
• added concepts for workflow processing with semantikon by @joergwa in #267
• 246 how to represent underlying python scripts to define processes 2 by @joergwa in #268

Full Changelog: v3.0.0-rc1...v3.0.0-rc2

PMDco v3.0.0-rc1

PMDco – Release Notes

✨ Highlights

This release delivers substantial improvements to modeling capabilities, documentation, and ontology quality. It introduces important new classes and patterns for representing material structures and properties, revises several core modeling constructs, and improves automation and validation features.

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🧩 Ontology Enhancements

Reworked and Expanded Modeling Patterns

• Existing example patterns and shapes have been reworked and improved for clarity and consistency.
• New example patterns and shapes have been added, expanding the ontology’s modeling guidance and vocabulary.

Introduction of Temporally Qualified Continuants (TQCs)

• The ontology now supports temporally qualified continuants, enabling precise modeling of changes in material properties over time.
• This addition offers a principled way to represent dynamic material behaviors without compromising ontological rigor.

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🔧 Automation & Validation

Improved Automation

• Automation pipelines—particularly those involved in shape validation—have been improved for reliability and coverage.

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📘 Documentation Improvements

• Documentation has been extensively improved to support beginners and new adopters.
• A migration guide has been added/refined to help users transition from previous versions smoothly.

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🔄 Alignment and Interoperability

Replacement of Internal Classes with OBO Equivalents

• Several PMDco classes and properties have been replaced with OBO Foundry equivalents to increase interoperability and reuse across the wider ontology ecosystem.

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🆕 New & Updated Ontological Content

Key New Classes

This release introduces several important domain classes, including:

• Fraction Value Specification
• Alloy
• Thickness
• Diameter
• Metallic Grain Structures
• Chemical Composition and related classes
• Phase and related phase-structure concepts
• Material Combination
• …and many additional supporting classes

Important New Properties

• specified by value
• has relational quality

Important Deleted Properties

• consists of
• intensive bearer of
• integral bearer of

Pull Requests:

• 189 update chemical composition modelling by @cmllezr in #191
• 183 refine the taxonomy of phase by @webhart in #209
• improved definitions by @thnlrd in #207
• 208 manufacturing process is defined as a planned process by @joergwa in #213
• fix reasoner inconsistencies in the chemical composition pattern by @cmllezr in #214
• removed logistics module by @joergwa in #217
• added pattern for process sequence with tqc and changing qualities by @joergwa in #220
• added missing value to pattern for. measurement by @joergwa in #223
• updated failing shape-data and docs by @joergwa in #224
• 175 revise and improve pattern 5 realizable entities qualities by @cmllezr in #225
• Fixed most validation errors by @cmllezr in #229
• 178 revise and improve pattern 8 categorical value specification by @cmllezr in #218
• 176 revise and improve pattern 6 scalar measurement by @cmllezr in #228
• Fixing validation errors on some behavioral properties by @cmllezr in #232
• added further statements to validate measurement datum shape by @cmllezr in #234
• 235 delete consists of from the ontology by @joergwa in #236

Full Changelog: v3.0.0-alpha4...v3.0.0-rc1

PMDcore v3.0.0-alpha4

What's Changed

• 167 refine process characteristic add rates by @cmllezr in #169
• added assay measures characteristic and inverse of it from ROto the l… by @cmllezr in #174
• stato:executes should be included in the imports #194 by @joergwa in #195
• resolving #192 by @thnlrd in #193
• #185 added temporally qualified continuants and example by @joergwa in #188
• 198 some object properties have equivalents in ro and obi by @joergwa in #205
• changed continuant to independent continuant in the TQC axiom by @cmllezr in #204
• Update pmdco-shared.owl by @joergwa in #206

Full Changelog: v3.0.0-alpha3...v3.0.0-alpha4

v3.0.0-alpha3

Release notes:

• added support for minimal profile (see #121 )
• removed temporalized relations; now importing of BFO2020 atemporal profile + relation ontology (RO) ( see #149 )
• reorganized and improved SHACL shapes and workflows
• introduced new classes
• replaced PMD classes which are present in IAO/OBI with their IAO/OBI equivalent
• improved many definitions, labels and axioms

Full Changelog: v3.0.0-alpha2...v3.0.0-alpha3

v3.0.0-alpha2

Release notes:

• pattern and SHACL directories (patterns/ and shapes/) fleshed out with additional content and usage examples - still not finished .
• added a variety of new classes/properties to model processes, roles, digital artifacts, experimental workflows, etc.
• enhanced definitions and coverage of key MSE concepts
• typo corrections & label refinements (lowercase)
• improved and added definitions

notable axioms removed:

• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533 "A Blank is an Object that may be input to some Manifacturing Process and whose shape or other properties are relevant for participation to participate in the Manifacuring Process.\n\nTBD: Does the Blank 'consists of' only 1 Material?"@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000562 "A Multiscale Simulation process that simplifies the system by grouping atoms or molecules into larger particles, thereby reducing computational complexity and allowing for the study of larger systems or longer time scales."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000792 "The person that commisioned the process."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000872 "A person that operates a machine or device."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0020139 ""@en)
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000792))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000872))
• EquivalentClasses(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533 ObjectIntersectionOf(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000030 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000534)))
• EquivalentClasses(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000792 ObjectIntersectionOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000881 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000793)))
• EquivalentClasses(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000872 ObjectIntersectionOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000881 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000873)))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533 http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000030)
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000534))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000792 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000881)
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000792 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000793))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000872 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000881)
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000872 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000196 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000873))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000879 http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/BFO_0000141)
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0020166 https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000533)

notable axioms added:

• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000051 "Simulation entity role is a role that inheres in an independent continuant (IC) and is realized in a simulation process. This role enables the IC to participate in the simulation as a proxy, model, or representative of a real or hypothetical entity within the simulated context"@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000053 "A melting process is a thermally induced process during which a solid material undergoes a phase transition into a liquid state. It involves the absorption of heat and occurs at or above the material's melting point."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000053 "Ein Schmelzvorgang ist ein thermisch induzierter Prozess, bei dem ein festes Material einen Phasenübergang in einen flüssigen Zustand erfährt. Er beinhaltet die Absorption von Wärme und findet bei oder oberhalb des Schmelzpunkts des Materials statt."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000054 "A heating function is a (realizable) function that, when realized, enables a system or device to increase the thermal energy of a material, typically to reach temperatures required for processing, transformation, or reaction."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000054 "Eine Heizfunktion ist eine (realisierbare) Funktion, die ein System oder Gerät in die Lage versetzt, die Wärmeenergie eines Materials zu erhöhen, um die für die Verarbeitung, Umwandlung oder Reaktion erforderlichen Temperaturen zu erreichen."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000055 "A cooling function is a (realizable) function that, when realized, enables a system or device to lower the temperature of a material, often to control solidification or maintain a stable state below a desired thermal threshold."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000055 "Eine Kühlfunktion ist eine (realisierbare) Funktion, die es einem System oder Gerät ermöglicht, die Temperatur eines Materials zu senken, häufig um die Erstarrung zu steuern oder einen stabilen Zustand unterhalb eines gewünschten thermischen Schwellenwerts aufrechtzuerhalten."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000056 "A melting furnace is a device that bears a melting function, typically designed to raise the temperature of a solid material to initiate and sustain its transformation into a melt."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000056 "Ein Schmelzofen ist ein Gerät, das eine Schmelzfunktion hat und in der Regel dazu dient, die Temperatur eines festen Materials zu erhöhen, um seine Umwandlung in eine Schmelze einzuleiten und aufrechtzuerhalten."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000057 "A melting function is a heating function that, when realized, enables a device or system to initiate or sustain the phase transition of a solid material into a liquid by raising its temperature above the melting point."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000057 "Eine Schmelzfunktion ist eine Heizfunktion, die es einem Gerät oder System ermöglicht, den Phasenübergang eines festen Materials in eine Flüssigkeit einzuleiten oder aufrechtzuerhalten, indem seine Temperatur über den Schmelzpunkt angehoben wird."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000562 "multiscale simulation process that simplifies the system by grouping atoms or molecules into larger particles, thereby reducing computational complexity and allowing for the study of larger systems or longer time scales"@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0020139 "A melt is an object (material entity) that exists in a liquid state as a result of the phase transition from solid due to thermal energy input. In materials science, it typically refers to metals, alloys, or other substances maintained above their melting point."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0020139 "Eine Schmelze ist ein Objekt (eine materielle Einheit), das aufgrund des Phasenübergangs von einem Festkörper durch thermische Energiezufuhr in einem flüssigen Zustand vorliegt. In der Werkstoffkunde bezieht sich der Begriff in der Regel auf Metalle, Legierungen oder andere Stoffe, die oberhalb ihres Schmelzpunkts gehalten werden."@de)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000053 "The process of melting aluminum ingots in preparation for extrusion."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000054 "The function of a resistance heater in a vacuum furnace."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000055 "The function of a water-cooled mold to solidify molten metal in casting."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000057 "The function of an induction coil in a furnace to heat metal until it melts."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0020139 "A pool of molten steel during casting."@en)
• AnnotationAssertion(rdfs:comment https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000056 "An electric arc furnace used in steelmaking."@en)
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000051))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000053))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000054))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000055))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000056))
• Declaration(Class(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000057))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000022 ObjectSomeValuesFrom(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000020 owl:Thing))
• SubClassOf(https://w3id.org/pmd/co/PMD_0000051 ObjectIntersectionOf(<...

PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) v3.0.0-alpha1

The version 3.0 PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) is hereby released!

This major update brings a significant structural change, as PMDco now adopts BFO 2020 as its top-level ontology and imports some concepts of relevant related ontologies.

About PMD Core Ontology (PMDco)

PMDco is a mid-level ontology designed to bridge the gap between domain-neutral top-level ontologies and domain-specific application ontologies in materials science and engineering (MSE). Its primary purpose is to enhance interoperability, providing a structured and extensible framework for organizing and integrating MSE knowledge. By serving as a semantic intermediate layer, PMDco enables systematic data and metadata integration, ensuring traceability of data generation and supporting the development of complex workflows. This makes it a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners, offering a common language for knowledge representation and fostering efficient collaboration across diverse MSE domains.
PMDco on GitHub: https://github.com/materialdigital/core-ontology

Key Changes & Implications

• Adoption of BFO 2020: PMDco 3.0 aligns with the Basic Formal Ontology (BFO 2020, standardized in ISO 21838), enhancing conceptual clarity and consistency with current ontology standards.
• Breaking Changes: Due to the structural updates, PMDco 3.0 is not downward compatible with version 2.0.8. Ontologies previously built upon PMDco 2.x will require manual adaptation to align with the new version.

Support & Community Engagement

To assist in transitioning to PMDco 3.0, the following resources may be helpful:
Ontology Playground: A space for collaborative discussions and curation efforts during the adaptation process.
Learning Materials: Guidance documents and tutorials that support in understanding the procedures in ontology development, the key changes and update their domain-specific ontologies accordingly.
In particular, interested users are invited to join the ontology playground to exchange insights, ask questions, and contribute to the ongoing development of PMDco.
For further information and access to learning materials, please refer to https://github.com/materialdigital/application-ontologies/tree/main/first-steps or https://forum.materialdigital.de/ or https://material-digital.de/contact/

PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) v2.0.8

Release notes:

• minor changes in readme
• issue #76
• removed bfo adapter

PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) v2.0.7

Release notes:

• improved many definitions and labels
• provided more translations
• moved :Grips and :Slide to :Component
• refined roles
• added :Component to range of :component property

PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) v2.0.6

Release notes:

Error fixes:

• fixed wrong range of participant
• fixed wrong IRI of DigitalEntity, OperatorRole, InitatorRole
• fixed some typos

PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) v2.0.5

Release notes:

• Removed classes which are subject for migration to modules: BrinellHardnessTest, CompressionTest, HardnessTest, LightMicroscopy, RockwellHardnessTest, TransmissionElectronMicroscopy, VickersHardnessTest, Particle, ParticleArea, ParticleRadius, PrecipitateDistance
• reorganized entities (esp. objects) for better compatibility to BFO
• added DigitalEntity
• added DigitalEntity to range of participant.
• added new file pmd_bfo_adapter.ttl with mappings to IAO/BFO
• fixed some typos and descriptions
• removed tensile test module (new home is https://github.com/materialdigital/application-ontologies)