  Engineering design often involves representation in at least two levels of
abstraction: the system-level, represented by lumped parameter models (LPMs),
and the geometric-level, represented by distributed parameter models (DPMs).
Functional design innovation commonly occurs at the system-level, followed by a
geometric-level realization of functional LPM components. However, comparing
these two levels in terms of behavioral outcomes can be challenging and
time-consuming, leading to delays in design translations between system and
mechanical engineers.
  In this paper, we propose a simulation-free scheme that compares LPMs and
spatially-discretized DPMs based on their model specifications and behaviors of
interest, regardless of modeling languages and numerical methods. We adopt a
model order reduction (MOR) technique that a priori guarantees accuracy,
stability, and convergence to improve the computational efficiency of
large-scale models. Our approach is demonstrated through the model consistency
analysis of several mechanical designs, showing its validity, efficiency, and
generality. Our method provides a systematic way to compare system-level and
geometric-level designs, improving reliability and facilitating design
translation.
