Model-Based Systems Engineering Tools Research Articles

Open-source MBSE workflow for automated spacecraft thermal analyses from a system model IAC-22,D1,4B,2,x70017

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is an emerging methodology not only in the field of spacecraft systems engineering. The key objective is to store the whole system design in one single source of truth system model. The continuously maintained and customizable open-source MBSE tool Virtual Satellite developed by German Aerospace Center (DLR) offers a framework for storing such a system model. Since the open-source 3D computer aided design (CAD) software FreeCAD has a dedicated Virtual Satellite workbench for importing the 3D model file generated by Virtual Satellite, it is possible to export the 3D model from Virtual Satellite, apply changes to it in FreeCAD, and afterwards reimport it in Virtual Satellite. This paper presents a workflow implementation to conduct automated steady-state and transient thermal analyses using the Virtual Satellite system model as a basis, utilizing the aforementioned features. Part of this effort was to extend Virtual Satellite by thermal modeling capabilities, such as material parameters, surface characteristics, thermal interfaces, boundary conditions and further relevant aspects. With custom Java applications, so-called “Apps”, all aspects of the system model relevant for a thermal analysis are exported from Virtual Satellite and written to accordingly generated text files. Moreover, the before described 3D model export is used to export the model to FreeCAD. The FreeCAD Python console, in combination with the finite element method (FEM) workbench, is used to create a script that executes meshing, application of the boundary and initial conditions, as well as identification of contacts between parts and application of the specified contact conductance values. The obtained files form a complete thermal model and can be fed directly into the open-source FEM software CalculiX for executing the thermal analysis. Then, the result can be processed by an additional Virtual Satellite App. To account for the space thermal environment an additional feature was added to the FreeCAD script. The feature uses orbit information obtained from external mission analysis tools to calculate the approximate combined heat load from Sun, Earth infrared, and albedo radiation at each time point in the specified simulation time interval. This new workflow allows to execute quick thermal analyses at an early design stage and therefore opens new opportunities in the evaluation of different system designs, as early as in a concurrent engineering study. Configuration parameters are provided that also allow more sophisticated analyses in later development phases, such as custom mesh definition and local mesh refinement.

A Model-Based Approach for the Methodical Development and Configuration of Modular Product Families

This paper shows how a methodical development and configuration of modular product family concepts and their effects on economic targets can be implemented in SysML. For this purpose, different sources of inconsistency between different methodical tools are highlighted and the need for research is shown. As a solution approach, a methodical framework is presented, which can be used to implement product development methods for the developing of modular product family modeling by means of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the modeling language SysML. By applying the framework, it is shown on the one hand how a product family of vacuum cleaner robots as a simple example can be modularized in a methodical, model-based manner. On the other hand, a configuration system and an impact model of modular product families are connected with the system model and applied to a product family of laser systems as an industrial use case. This made it clear that the framework can be used to model various methodical topics of product family modeling in a consistent manner, to enable higher-level analyses with the use of MBSE tools. This can reduce errors, decrease effort and increase traceability across different methodical tools.

Model‐based‐systems‐engineering for conceptual design: An integrative approach

AbstractConceptual‐Design is an early development phase, where innovation and creativeness shape the future system/product. Model‐Based‐Conceptual‐Design (MBCD) attempts to use best‐practices of Model‐Based‐Systems‐Engineering (MBSE) to gain the envisioned benefits of model connectivity. Using MBSE supporting tools can transform Conceptual‐Design into a digital‐engineered process but may impede creativity and innovation. Concurrently, the design domain offers specific methods and tools for innovative Conceptual‐Design. In the current study, we explore an existing Conceptual‐Design framework and offer MBSE interpretation and tools extensions needed for its digital implementation. Through such exploration we highlight MBCD specific insights and discuss modeling‐innovation interrelations. The implementation was accomplished using a domain‐specific enabling software package on top of a market‐accepted UML/SysML platform, extending the language definitions, where appropriate. The framework guided extensions allow generation of innovative bottom‐up alternatives, solution integration, and solutions’ comparison. The use of modeling is shown to offer clearer process definition, specific methods assistance, and alternative ranking—both manually and automatically. Consequently, MBCD is accomplished, which supports innovation, while being digitally connected to full‐scale‐development models and the organizational assets at large. Through integration into the orderly Systems‐Engineering process, traceability is maintained, and repeated iterations are supported, where conceptual decisions may be revisited. Additionally, through the introduction of an assets’ catalog, cross‐organizational knowledge sharing is accomplished. The paper presents samples of the extensions, using a simplified example of technology design for Future Firefighting. The value of incorporating Conceptual‐Design specific methodology and tools is evaluated through feedback from multiple domain experts. Discussion and future research directions are offered.

Towards a logical framework for ideal MBSE tool selection based on discipline specific requirements

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has emerged with great potential to fulfill the non-linearly rising demand in interdisciplinary engineering, e.g., product development. However, the variety and complexity of MBSE tools pose difficulties in particular industrial applications. This paper tries to serve as a guideline to find the ideal tool for a specific industrial application as well as to highlight the key criteria that an industry might consider. For this purpose, we propose a logical framework for MBSE tool selection, which is based on market research, the approaches of Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and decision matrix. As customers are at the center of any product, accordingly the needs of MBSE tool users are addressed within this research as the fundamental starting point. Market research and extensive discussions with MBSE tool vendors and academia show the current situation of MBSE tools. To compare the performance of the considered tools, a set of user needs is defined. QFD is performed to analyze the user needs with respect to evaluable technical properties. Subsequently each tool performance is assessed using a decision matrix. Through this process, a well-defined functional structure of MBSE tools is sketched, and in order to identify the properties of an ideal tool, all the attributes of different MBSE tools are mapped to a common platform. For the purpose of evaluation, we apply our proposed logical framework to select an exemplary MBSE tool for interdisciplinary application.

Use of Model-Based System Engineering methodology and tools for disruption analysis of supply chains: A case in semiconductor manufacturing

In the age of complex and large-scale systems, Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) is increasingly becoming a sine qua non in industry due in large part to a wider use of software applications and an increased move towards standardization. In this study, we research the application of the MBSE methodology (definition, design, analysis, and synthesis) to disruption management with a specific focus on a semiconductor supply chain case study. Within this methodology we use three MBSE tools, namely OWL, BPMN, and SysML, with the main focus being on definition of the problem to ensure that the “correct” problem is solved. The article does not report on any new research into the MBSE tools, but applies the available tools. Many of these tools have limitations, especially in the area of analysis and synthesis, that have been overcome if not widely adopted, in the area of product design (i.e., finite element analysis and simulation, etc.), which is a limitation in the type of systems studied here, i.e., a supply chain system which is a discrete event system. Through the application of the MBSE methodology and the application of the three MBSE tools, a comparison is provided that highlights further opportunities and obstacles, but which ultimately demonstrates a positive proof that the MBSE methodology is necessary for revealing sources of systematic disruptions within a complex integrated industrial information system.

Requirements Management Tools for Software Systems: A Systematic Tools Review

This article contains a systematic review of Requirements Management tools (RM tools) for Software Systems. A research question was defined as the following: requirements development process of large-scale software system (with thousands of requirements) and an interaction problem during this process (communication, coordination and control). The problem is caused by the fact that the requirements development process is a cross-disciplinary task and it involves multiple parties — stakeholders, domain experts, and suppliers with own goals and constraints, and thus, the interaction between them seriously slows down the overall requirements development process more than writing the requirements specification itself. The tools were classified into the following classes: Requirements Management Tools, ALM/PLM/SDLC Tools, Model-based System Engineering tools with Requirements support, Natural Language based tools for Requirements Engineering, WYSIWYG-prototyping and Requirements platform, Open Source tools, and tools developed by Russian vendors. Each tool class was described and represented with list of relevant tools — including feature-rich solutions, and a description of key features. A contribution of functionality from each tool into the research question was analyzed and summarized including potential further improvement steps. Advantages and disadvantages of the existing RM tools were represented in this work. To approach the research question, further potential directions were described.

Design of an IoT System for the Palletized Distribution Supply Chain with Model-Based Systems Engineering Tools

In recent years, Internet-of-Things technology (IoT) has been the subject of research in diverse fields of applications. IoT plays an essential role in transitioning enterprises towards a more interconnected paradigm of manufacturing, logistics, services, and business, known as Industry 4.0. This paper presents an operational concept for a system that implements IoT technology in pallets, which are used to move products along supply chains. These sensors will help us gain insight into the conditions experienced by products and unit loads. Having this capability will allow us to obtain the information necessary for better control of product distribution along the supply chain, and to design packaging that is more efficient and effective in protecting products during distribution. In this paper, we show how Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) can be leveraged to create models that capture the required system behaviors, and we address the complexity of an IoT system within the domain of packaging and logistics applications.

Model based systems engineering—A text mining based structured comprehensive overview

AbstractAn observed increase in systems scale and complexity has led to a significant momentum in exploring, identifying, and adopting model based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and techniques amongst research communities and industry practitioners. Several attempts to transform systems design and engineering practices through the use of MBSE in academia and industry has led to a considerable increase in the number of articles published containing the keyword “MBSE.” This growth serves as the motivation in this paper to explore the MBSE landscape with the help of text mining techniques to identify the most often used key terms, tools, and languages, in the context of research in MBSE and the thematic aspects defining the use of MBSE by researchers and practitioners. The objective of this paper is to provide a structured comprehensive overview of research contributions across the MBSE landscape by employing text mining techniques for: (a) identifying the concepts and methodologies inferred upon in relation to MBSE, and (b) classifying the literature published to identify commonalities across academic researchers and practitioners using MBSE tools and methods. For this purpose, the abstracts of 2380 relevant articles published in the period of the last two decades from five different databases are mined. It is found that the terms “SysML,” “Cyber Physical Systems,” and “Production” are the most used terms among researchers across the MBSE landscape with SysML being the most widely used modeling language. Further, six major thematic topics are identified that classify articles from over the last two decades with an increasing interest observed in the use of MBSE to support manufacturing and production engineering activities, especially in the cyber physical systems domain. The contributions of this paper provide a leeway on using text mining techniques to understand the research directions that are currently of interest in the field of MBSE and thereby identify potential future research directions.

MBSE Enabled Trade‐Off Analyses

AbstractThis paper examines the potential to use Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to perform trade‐off analysis of alternative systems decisions in the system life cycle from the concept stage to the retirement stage. Specially, we searched for integrated models that automate the simultaneous evaluation of the performance, effectiveness, stakeholder value, and cost of multiple alternative system designs. We used the Web of Science to perform a literature search to identify published papers that describe the use of MBSE tools to support automated analysis of alternatives and trade‐off analyses. We found very few papers that claimed to use MBSE to provide analysis of design alternatives or tradespace exploration. Based on the literature search insights, we identify and describe the required and desired capabilities to perform automated trade‐off analyses of performance, effectiveness, stakeholder value, and cost for multiple system design alternatives using integrated models.

Bioanalytical Device Design With Model-Based Systems Engineering Tools

Development of bioanalytical devices requires a multidisciplinary team working together. In the current article, the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology is applied for the design of a bioanalytical device, in order to create a unique system model with consistency of model elements and relations. This allows a multidisciplinary team to work together in order to define and develop the overall system, from bio/chemical processes to software, hardware, and mechanics; for example, scientists may express bio/chemical events in the system model in a way that the design engineers understand the process and requirements, learn the constraints, and develop the system accordingly. In the article, a tailored version of the object-oriented systems engineering method modeling method was used together with systems modeling language. The major steps of the modeling method utilized include define problem, define context level, define technical requirements, define logical level, and define physical level. The modeling method developed for the article may be used as a base for the development of bioanalytical devices. There is a market push to develop new bioanalytical devices, such as point of care sensors. It is believed that the transformation of the product lifecycle process from document centric to MBSE will provide a competitive advantage to the life sciences industry.

MBSEsec: Model-Based Systems Engineering Method for Creating Secure Systems

This paper presents how Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) could be leveraged in order to mitigate security risks at an early stage of system development. Primarily, MBSE was used to manage complex engineering projects in terms of system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities, leaving security aspects aside. However, previous research showed that security requirements and risks could be tackled in the MBSE model, and powerful MBSE tools such as simulation, change impact analysis, automated document generation, validation, and verification could be successfully reused in the multidisciplinary field. This article analyzes various security-related techniques and then clarifies how these techniques can be represented in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) model and then further exploited with MBSE tools. The paper introduces the MBSEsec method, which gives guidelines for the security analysis process, the SysML/UML-based security profile, and recommendations on what security technique is needed at each security process phase. The MBSEsec method was verified by creating an application case study that reflects real-world problems and running an experiment where systems and security engineers evaluated the feasibility of our approach.

ПРЕОДОЛЕНИЕ НЕДОСТАТКОВ ПРОГРАММНО-МЕТОДИЧЕСКОГО ИНСТРУМЕНТАРИЯ МОДЕЛЬНО-ОРИЕНТИРОВАННОГО СИСТЕМНОГО ИНЖИНИРИНГА, ИСПОЛЬЗУЕМОГО ПРИ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИИ СИСТЕМ

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University) The paper advocates the need to move from separate stages of the product life cycle (LC; R&D, production, operation) to a single project implemented in a new paradigm of system design based on software and methodological tools of model-based systems engineering (MBSE). Currently available in Russia foreign software (SW) and methodological MBSE tools for the design and development (D&D) of systems (including space instruments) are expensive and complex. This paper formulates and considers the question: «Is it possible to reduce the cost and simplify the use of software and methodological MBSE tools by means that are available to a wide audience of users?». To answer this question, the authors analyzed SysML, QFD method, HoQ method, and the SW for their application. As the result of literature review, it is shown that in the leading countries, the relevance of implementing these tools in the design and development of hardware and software systems is increasing. For the use of SysML, QFD, HoQ by a wide audience of potential users from Russian Federation were defined software tools. 13 disadvantages that prevent the application of SysML, QFD and HoQ, as well as SW for their use were identified. In order to overcome the identified disadvantages, was developed SW and methodological MBSE tool based on modernization, specification and synthesis of SysML, QFD, HoQ and SW for their application. The developed MBSE SW and methodological tool allows for a wide audience of users to D&D systems in accordance with MBSE approach (QFD, HoQ, SysML), to identify critical requirements of different development elements, to develop automatically (in a few hours instead of several days) and update SysML models of requirements, to reduce labor costs for the implementation of the D&D LC stages of future analog products by 5-10%. As a result of validation of SysML models, it is proved that their repeated use reduces the planning time of the LC stages of analog products by up to 60%, increases the compliance of the reporting documentation of the LC stages with the requirements of regulatory and technical documents by 10%.

An integrative Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and lean-based approach for development of new complex products

Abstract An effective and efficient New Product Development (NPD) and implementation process is crucial for creation of competitive advantage for each company. Due to this fact, companies are more and more often looking for methods and tools for improvement of NPD processes. The paper deals with an integrated Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and lean approach to NPD. The individual stages of the NPD process are predisposed to different degrees to the use of MBSE and Lean. The research conducted shows that the use of advanced MBSE and lean tools and techniques in the development of new products is not widespread. There is a room for future research.

Study on the feasibility of modelling notations for integrated Product-Service Systems Engineering

Developing products and services concurrently bears great potential as well as challenges. Systems Engineering (SE) is an interdisciplinary approach, which aims to enable the realization of successful systems. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a SE approach focusing on the utilization of models for information exchange instead of documents. Methods and tools for MBSE are advanced and effective. Nevertheless, the field predominantly focuses on technical systems rather than on services and business models. In the context of the increasing importance of the Service Economy and rising innovative business models, an extension of the MBSE methods and tools to a service- and business model-centric view constitutes a research gap. Sufficient methods for requirements definition in PSS design have been developed. In concept design, the outline or rough concept of the product is defined. This step is currently not supported with useful methods. In order to address this research gap, the authors have proposed Integrated Product Service Architectures (IPSSAs) in previous research, which depict physical product architectures and service architectures in one integrated model. In previous studies, Systems Modelling Language (SysML) was identified as suitable modelling notations for IPSSAs, but several drawbacks of the notation were noted. Within this paper, a study is presented, which identifies suitable combinations of modelling notations and diagrams for IPSSA modelling. The combination of several diagrams from SysML, Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) and Data Flow Architecture is used on the practical example of ELSA (Engineering Living Systems of Autonomy), a service robot for guest and plant care. In order to address the lack of process-based service modelling in SysML, BPMN is added to common SysML modelling. In order address the data flow dimension, a third modelling notation, the Data Flow Architecture is proposed.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MODEL‐BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING METHODOLOGIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVE PRACTICE – A CASE STUDY ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

ABSTRACTThis article presents a case study on applying model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies under real‐life conditions. We present how engineers tailored existing MBSE methods and tools to both address the complexity factors of nuclear power plants engineering, and to contribute to the comprehensiveness of the design and safety assessment. We also provide feedback on the application of MBSE approaches and their key benefits on projects’ execution.

Safety critical systems design for civil aircrafts by model based systems engineering

A civil aircraft safety critical system design scheme using model based systems engineering (MBSE) is proposed in this paper, with considering the civil aircraft/systems design standard and thchnology frontier fields. Considering the availability and integrity of the system functions, civil aircrafts/systems design and safety assessment process are esteblished by using MBSE. Civil aircraft brake system development and assessment scheme are proposed by MBSE tools IBM DOORS and Rational Rhapsody. Use cases, functions flow, and state-machines of the system are set up by corresponding models in requirement analysis, function analysis and design synthesis phases. The system architecture which can guarantee the function availability and safety is designed by fault tree analysis. System models are verified by SysML and Simulink collaborative simulation, and Panel diagram interactive interface.

Conducting a Model Based Systems Engineering Tool Trade Study Using a Systems Engineering Approach

AbstractEvaluating and choosing a comprehensive Commercial‐Off‐The‐Shelf (COTS) platform to serve as the basis for a deployable large scale Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tool suite is a challenging task with many factors to take into account. Applying a Systems Engineering approach to the problem gives a highly useful roadmap for choosing an effective solution. Boeing evaluated 25 candidate COTS platforms against end users processes and accompanying business requirements that were used to identify and specify the desired tool suite functionality, desired behavior, and design constraints. Design constraints included a range of considerations from scalability concerns to implementation specific needs. This paper outline the criteria against which the candidates solutions were evaluated and the results of the evaluations.

Toward Systems Engineering Modeling Standards: Proposed System Architecture Core Model Elements and Composition

AbstractThrough successful employment of large scale Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) over many years, The Boeing Company has developed an elaborate data model and associated constraining business rules that form part of its MBSE tool suite specifications. The core elements of this data model and business rule set are presented in this paper as a set of UML 2.0 class diagrams. Advantages inherent in this core data model and business rule set are detailed. These core data model elements and business rules should be applicable to modeling efforts across engineering domains. It is proposed that these core data model elements and business rules be considered for incorporation into an omnibus data model standard and associated constraining business rule standard that reflects the modeling needs of the MBSE community at large. This modeling standard could serve as the basis of an MBSE ontology, as well as the basis of tool suite and data exchange specifications.

Exploring System Space with Graph Theory

AbstractAs today's Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) become more and more complex they provide both incredible opportunity and risk. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) provides organizations a timely opportunity to address the complexities of Cyber Physical Systems. MBSE tools, languages and methods are having a very positive impact but are still in a formative stage and continue to evolve. Moreover, the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) has proven to be a significant enabler to advance MBSE methods given its flexibility and expressiveness. Unfortunately the number of people who know SysML well is relatively small. To bring the full power of MBSE to the larger community, system models can be rendered in intuitive forms to support broad understanding of system models. More specifically, Graph Theory has proven to be very effective in the design, analysis, management, and integration of complex systems. Use of Graph Theory and dynamic visualization can help teams gain insights, build intuition and ultimately help speed the innovation process.

Getting Started with MBSE in Product Development

AbstractWhether it is a small company hoping to start using systems engineering with a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach, or a larger, established company interested in converting existing document‐based practices to MBSE, the challenges can be daunting. These can include unfamiliarity with the MBSE tool, complex default schemas, and understanding what is worth tracking in MBSE (or not). This paper will address the practical aspects for building and using a simplified MBSE schema. The schema details a selection of diagrams and items to be used for each phase of the product development process. The practical aspects for what information to include, how to trace items to each other, and what to include in each output document are described and demonstrated with examples.