A composite structure diagram is a diagram that shows the internal structure of a classifier, including its interaction points to other parts of the system, in other words in the composite structure diagram the inner life – the white-box view – of a component is shown. It shows the configuration and relationship of parts, that together, perform the behavior of the containing classifier whereas a construction diagram is a graphical version of the ‘Details’ tab of the Inspector window. It shows the assigned characteristics and features of the selected element, where these features have been created, i.e. construction diagrams show all the compartments of the parent element. Each type of feature is shown in a separate element compartment.
If you link a construction diagram as a composite structure diagram, not the usual linking symbol, i.e. a horizontal 8 (
), but this red symbol C is displayed.
The SysML “Internal Block Diagram” (IBD) is an alternative view to the “Composite Structure Diagram” in UML.
How to create a construction diagram?
Create an Use Case –> Add Diagram –> Construction Diagram
Then select the same Use Case again:
New Child Diagram –> Composite Structure Diagram
Finally, the linking symbol C appears in the lower right half of the corresponding use case.
How to delete a construction diagram?
To remove the hyperlink from the model element to the diagram, simply select the menu entry in the context menu [New Child Diagram –> Composite]. This action only deletes the hyperlink, but not the linked diagram!
For more information about composite structure diagram and construction diagram look at the links below:
https://sparxsystems.com/resources/tutorials/uml2/composite-diagram.html