Systems Modeling Language Research Articles

Cyber–Physical Verification of Intermittently Powered Embedded Systems

Intermittently powered embedded systems are a foundational and growing component of the Internet of Things. It is essential to rigorously prove these systems’ correctness because they arise both in safety-critical applications and applications where quality-of-service is essential to social good. Such proofs are challenging because they are simultaneously cyber–physical and time-sensitive: correctness is affected by physical properties that change with time. This article introduces a new general-purpose formal verification approach for cyber–physical properties of intermittent systems. We define a high-level modeling and specification language for intermittent systems, define its formal semantics, and prove that the language reduces to hybrid games, enabling the application of existing theorem-proving software. Cold storage for COVID vaccines serves as a running example; we provide a machine-checked proof that safe temperatures are maintained under suitable assumptions. The crux of our proof approach is to identify power and timing assumptions under which sufficient power is available to complete time-sensitive tasks. Orthogonal to approaches that prove new guarantees on power or timing, our work rigorously shows which power and timing assumptions are needed for cyber–physical correctness.

Metric for Structural Complexity Assessment of Space Systems Modeled Using the System Modeling Language

A complexity metric is proposed for the quantification of system complexity using information about the composition of a system and its interactions depicted in a System Modelling Language (SysML) model. The proposed metric is adapted from the complexity metric developed for design structure matrix (DSM) applications and was modified to allow the metric to be applied at different decomposition levels and to accommodate the inclusion of external interactions. The metric was applied to three case studies: a Mars lander, a CubeSat and a spacecraft thermal control system. The proposed metric attributed a higher amount of complexity due to the interactions compared to the DSM metric. This variance resulted in instances where the results differed for the two metrics. Despite these differences, both metrics behaved similarly to changes in component or interaction complexity.

Event-based safety and reliability analysis integration in model-based space mission design

Model-based safety and reliability (S&R) analysis, which improves analysis accuracy and reduces cost and development time is applied in various industries. With the developments in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and the use of systems modelling language (SysML), S&R analysis based on SysML models is gaining more attention. However, the emerging methods are inadequate for complex space missions. Thus, the main objective of this study involves integrating S&R analysis in SysML-based space mission design. First, a framework for integrating S&R analysis in model-based space mission design is presented. Based on the characteristics of the development of complex space missions and the MBSE process, a multisystem collaborative failure analysis method is proposed to comprehensively identify the failure modes (FMs) of the entire system. Subsequently, an event-based analysis method integrating the process of functional architecture definition is proposed, which fills the identified gaps in model-based S&R analysis for mission-level systems. Based on the identified FMs and proposed criterion, the event tree can be mapped from the SysML activity diagram. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to a case study of a complex space mission in the near future: the manned mission to the Moon.

Virtual Testing Workflows Based on the Function-Oriented System Architecture in SysML: A Case Study in Wind Turbine Systems

Wind turbines (WT) are complex multidisciplinary systems containing a large number of mechanical, control, and electrical components. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) provides an approach for cross-discipline development to address the system complexity and focuses on creating and utilizing domain models as the primary means of information exchange. The domain models predict system behaviors and can support system validation through virtual testing at an early stage of system development. However, the further the WT development proceeds, the more system parameters are set, and the more domain models and virtual tests are involved. Therefore, it is necessary to design a framework of virtual testing workflows of WTs to support virtual validation processes as well as to automate those workflows. To achieve this goal, this contribution shows how standardized virtual testing workflows can be designed and linked to hierarchical and functional system architectures modeled in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). The virtual testing workflows enable to trigger simulations of domain models and handle system parameters participating in the simulations, thus ensuring data consistency. Furthermore, to facilitate modular management and reuse of domain models, the domain models are classified according to model purposes, model fidelities, and system scopes. The virtual testing workflows are structured corresponding to the classification of the domain model, thereby forming a nested framework. To verify the feasibility of the proposed workflows, a virtual testing process of WT components (i.e., bearings) inside the system context with different model purposes and different model fidelities is demonstrated. It is shown that virtual testing workflows are systematically organized so that engineers can easily virtually (re-)validate the systems.

Design of a Customizable Test Bench of an Electric Vehicle Powertrain for Learning Purposes Using Model-Based System Engineering

Nowadays, electric vehicles attract significant attention because of the increasingly stringent exhaust emission policies all over the world. Moreover, with the fast expansion of the sustainable economy, the demand for electric vehicles is expanding. In the recent age, maintenance has seriously hampered the marketing and use of electric automobiles. As a result, the technique for maintaining electric vehicles is regarded as vital since it directly affects the security and availability for the end user and the passengers. Another key aspect of electric mobility is the integration of artificial intelligence in control, diagnostics, and prognostics. Meanwhile, a lot of research efforts are still devoted to developing and innovating electric traction systems, especially for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Furthermore, topics covering important, current, and sustainability challenges should contain more than theoretical knowledge in high-quality education, particularly in engineering education. The purpose is to bridge the gap between the new technology and the learner’s circumstances through giving practical technical expertise and training in the sphere of overall engineering competences, to avoid non-standard, unskilled maintenance work. This article presents the first phase towards designing and developing a test bench of an electric vehicle’s powertrain used for research, learning and e-learning purposes, employing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and systems modeling language (SysML) through the CESAM architecting and modeling framework. The aforementioned approach is used on our case study to build and present an operational viewpoint layout of the control, energy management, diagnostic, and prognostic test bench as part of the system’s initial phase of designing the system; the test bench layout proposed in this paper represents a flexible, low-cost, multidisciplinary downsized laboratory providing basic experiments related to e-mobility and covering numerous branches and study fields.

Enhancement of the virtual design platform for modeling a functional system architecture of complex cabin systems

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a fundamental approach for the end-to-end use of digital models in the development of complex systems. The aviation industry in particular, where system complexity is constantly increasing, needs new concepts and methods to overcome ecological and socio-economic challenges. Therefore, domain-specific models are needed for the design and evaluation of systems to support the various system investigations, such as requirements management, installation space optimization, or failure analyses. An end-to-end coupling and linking of these mostly heterogeneous systems offer many advantages (e.g. shorter development times) over working with isolated digital sub-models, natural language documents, and purely physical prototypes. In addition, digitalization allows global and interdisciplinary collaboration of multiple teams of experts on the same virtual product. Since this approach is particularly promising for the configuration of aircraft cabins, a virtual development platform is developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for the conceptual design of the aircraft cabin and its systems. As a result, virtual prototypes of cabin configurations are quickly generated to allow new concepts to be visualized and investigated at an early design stage. Extending the conceptual cabin system design process with a functional system architecture and executable system architecture models promotes information traceability, early failure detection, and requirements verification. The methodology used for this purpose is presented in this paper. The systems modeling language (SysML) is used to build a model for the functional depiction of cabin systems and to link it to existing models of the conceptual cabin design process. The modeling is performed exemplarily for the passenger service functions. Subsequently, the results are automatically transferred to the virtual development platform to experience the generated cabin concept.

Model‐based systems engineering for a small‐lift launch facility

AbstractA study of model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) applied to a small‐lift launch facility is presented. The research uses Systems Modeling Language (SysML) products and functional diagrams to document the ground systems on a launch pad servicing a small class payload (0–2 tons). With the projected growth in launch cadence of small‐lift rockets in the coming decade, there is a need to design increasingly complex launch systems with greater efficiency. The potential improvements in project communication, quality, and productivity are explored by developing a model following the ISO/IEC 15288 technical process framework and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Object‐Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM) methodology. The stakeholder requirements are defined and analyzed to provide traceability to individual systems and subsystems. An architecture is proposed by generating engineering artifacts such as piping and instrumentation drawings. The concepts are verified and validated by performing engineering trade studies concentrated on the pneumatic and fuel subsystems.

SISTEM INFORMASI DESA SIALANG PANJANG KECAMATAN TEMBILAHAN HULU BERBASIS WEB

Until now, the Sialang Panjang Village Office does not yet have a special system to assist office staff in providing services to the community. However, there are several reasons why the Sialang Panjang Village Office wants a village system. These reasons include: they do not have a special program that is integrated into the database in terms of community population administration, besides the need for information for the local village community and the wider community is very large, many village communities do not know about village potential, village statistics, and the latest information. village. To overcome this, we need a software development process in the form of a Sialang Panjang Village Information System. The processes carried out are requirements analysis, system design, system implementation, system testing and system maintenance. The development method used is the waterfall method, while the analytical method used is the pieces method which can be a reference in building an information system for the village of Silang Panjang. UML (Unified Modeling Language) as a system modeling language, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) as a programming language and MySQL database. Then for system testing using black-box testing, white-box testing and questionnaires. With this village information system, it will be able to assist village office staff in providing services to the community and make it easier for the community to take care of population administration and obtain information.
 Keywords: Web-Based Information System, Village Service, Sialang Panjang Village

You Can't Touch This! ‐ Logical Architectures in MBSE and the UAF

AbstractLogical or abstract architectures are an essential concept in systems engineering. They are included in the systems engineering handbook, the OOSEM process, the SEBOK, several modeling languages, and the ISO 15288 process definition. A logical architecture is a solution‐independent model of the problem domain used to understand “what” needs to be done, while avoiding defining “how” it will be done. The logical architecture includes all the related logical elements without constraining the architecture to a particular technology or environment. It traces to the physical architecture which defines how to implement the architecture using specific technologies. Logical architectures can be defined using MBSE languages such as the systems modeling language (SysML). They are implicit in the Operational set of views in architecture frameworks such as DoDAF, MODAF, NAF and their implementation in UAF using SysML. NAF has recently changed the title of the Operational views to Logical views to further emphasize the purpose of the views. This paper will define the benefits of using a logical architecture and provide guidance on how it can be implemented.

A SysML Profile for MIL‐STD‐882E (System Safety)

AbstractThis paper presents a profile that extends the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to support the requirements of MIL‐STD‐882E and facilitate the System Safety process. MIL‐STD‐882E is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) standard for System Safety Engineering (SSE). It mandates a series of analyses for hazard identification and tracking throughout system development, operation, sustainment, and disposal. These analyses are required to be documented in a series of reports set forth in the standard. For large systems, analyzing the system design and producing the mandated reports requires significant effort with a corresponding cost and resource impact on the overall program. Furthermore, while such analyses should be integrated with the development processes, they are often performed after design decisions are made and without the involvement of the primary development team. The System Safety Profile (SSP) presented here integrates the System Safety process with the design process by translating SSE concepts into structured elements within SysML, including representations of System Safety hazards, risks, mitigations, analysis activities, and the relations between them.

A Data‐Centric System Architecture Model Development Process Emphasizing Rapid Tempo and Quality

AbstractFor years the system engineering community has been armed with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and a host of vendor provided tools to facilitate requirements, architecture and design development. Nonetheless, teams repeatedly struggle to apply MBSE in part because they do not have a method to complement the language and the tools. This paper seeks to offer elements of method focusing on process, a powerful style to enable teamwork in a model, and set of flexible approaches to guide work which is consistent with that style. This paper focuses on an easy to use process for building a System Architecture Model (SAM), allowing for tailoring to meet program‐specific needs. The paper identifies and encourages the use of a variety of SAM development approaches which are focused on the themes of data centricity, consistency, commonality in style, and efficiently creating content that will answer most engineering questions related to architecture. This process is implemented in SysML as a “One Page Process”, and made openly available for download. Furthermore, automated validation via a rules‐based engine is leveraged to catch and correct defects nearly as quickly as they are generated as well as scale SAM development across a large diverse team of contributors. By leveraging and tailoring this process to meet program needs, one may improve the quality, development tempo, and rigor of their SAM.

An MBSE Architectural Framework for Inter‐Satellite Communication in a Multiorbit Disaggregated System

AbstractThe Multi‐Orbit Disaggregated System (MODS) concept is a disaggregation strategy geared towards improved resiliency and flexibility of space missions by dispersing payloads and/or functionality across multiple small satellites (SmallSats). Although SmallSats make good candidates for deployment as a MOD System, their success hinges on the ability to realize reliable Inter‐Satellite Communication (ISC). To this end, we investigate the efficacy of developing a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) Architectural Framework for ISC to guide and constrain instantiations of ISC architecture solutions. An MBSE architectural framework is a systems engineering artifact that defines a set of views required to describe an architecture based on MBSE principles and practices. It provides a standardized structure and guidance to capture architectural decisions while maximizing opportunities for commonality, consistency, and interoperability within the Domain of Interest. To achieve well‐defined architecture descriptions, a MODS architectural framework pattern, and a comprehensive architectural framework for the ISC (sub)system are created and presented. The Systems Modeling Language (SysML) (OMG, 2019) serves as the modeling language for the framework design.

System Verification and Validation Approach Using the MagicGrid Framework

AbstractThe ongoing transformation in the industry from a document‐based systems engineering to a model‐based systems engineering approach reveals a need for new methods of verifying and validating systems. Traditional methods of testing the actual system are getting more and more expensive. A model‐based environment could significantly reduce testing and, most importantly, verification and validation processes costs. It allows testing on the system model by applying various techniques, such as simulation, analysis, review, mock‐ups, etc. There are, however, very few approaches today detailing how verification and validation of the entire system (taking into count its components and subsystems) could be performed. This paper proposes an approach to perform verification and validation of a system using system models developed with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and in accordance with the MagicGrid (formerly known as MBSE Grid) framework. The approach covers system testing activities beginning with verification of the lowest modeled system elements against system requirements and finishing with validation of the system as a whole, against stakeholder needs.

A Semantic Ontology-Based Approach to Support Model-Based Systems Engineering Design for an Aircraft Prognostic Health Management System

The Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) system of an aircraft has complex structures and diverse functions. It is highly coupled with other systems, such as the avionics system and flight management system. The Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) method is effective to support the design and verification of the aircraft PHM system. As a powerful semantic web construction method, ontology has been widely used to express design information, such as the concepts and the relationships between them. However, traditional graphical MBSE models have a natural weakness in transforming into ontology. In this paper, a semantic MBSE method is proposed to support the transform of the ontology model. Firstly, according to the design characteristics of the aircraft PHM system, a meta-model library of the aircraft PHM system is developed to support the design and evaluation. An MBSE modeling method based on requirement analysis, function analysis, logical architecture design, and physic architecture design is applied in the PHM design process. Secondly, the semantic system modeling language KARMA based on “graph, object, property, point, relationship, role, and extension” (GOPPRRE) is used to transfer the graphical MBSE model to the semantic MBSE model, which can be easily transformed to an ontology model. Finally, an ontology based on semantic modeling is developed to describe the MBSE entities and to support MBSE design. In this paper, a case study of an aircraft fuel PHM system is carried out to validate the proposed method. Based on the developed meta-model library, a complete MBSE design process for the aircraft PHM system is realized. And then an ontology model supporting PHM system design is generated from the semantic MBSE model. The MBSE ontology provides a shareable capability to help designers communicate effectively. Quantitative analysis based on ontology is also provided to verify the complexity and scale of the MBSE design process. Moreover, logical reasoning ability can also be provided to support the early requirement traceability for MBSE design. In general, the case study results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method for the aircraft PHM system design.

Architecting a BIM-Based Digital Twin Platform for Airport Asset Management: A Model-Based System Engineering with SysML Approach

Airports play an essential role within the transportation and infrastructure sectors. As modernizing and expanding airport infrastructures receive a higher priority, addressing inefficiencies in capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx) through transformative digital ecosystems is gaining an increasing level of interest. Building information modeling (BIM) can form a basis to enable an end-to-end digital delivery platform, where airport life cycle data can be utilized for actionable insights. This study proposes a scalable, novel BIM-based modularized platform architecture based on model-based system engineering (MBSE) principles with systems modeling language (SysML) for optimal collection, integration, management, and utilization of airport critical asset data. This platform architecture aims at acting as a metaframework that enables an airport digital twin through cohesive and structured view of asset life cycle information for insightful actions by major airport stakeholders. Research methodology features an online survey and focus group discussions for data collection; mixed method analysis for data analysis; MBSE with SysML for data mapping; and prototype demonstration and an expert opinion survey for validation. Adopting a scalable BIM-based digital platform is anticipated to result in boosts in business value of airport infrastructures by sustaining value generation in operations and decreasing upfront costs for technology implementation.

An Integrated Intelligent Modeling and Simulation Language for Model-based Systems Engineering

Modeling and simulation are now leading the way in supporting analysis and development of system of systems. At present, to support the unified modeling formalism and dynamic simulation for different domain specific models across MBSE process, system modeling languages (such as SysML) are often required to cooperate with multi-physics modeling languages and simulation platforms (such as Modelica, Simulink), which makes it challenging to ensure the true unity of the whole system models, the consistency between the various system layers and the traceability of the modeling and simulation processes. In response to the above problems, this paper develops a new integrated intelligent modeling and simulation language, which can uniformly describe the system-level architecture and physical behavior models as a whole. On this basis, models can be simulated directly to support system verification for MBSE. Compiler and simulation engine are developed to enable X language to support the simulation of continuous, discrete event and agent models. Finally, an intelligent car system is taken as a case to verify the modeling and simulation capabilities of X language.

Integration of MBSE into Mining Industry: Predictive Maintenance System

Abstract— Looking forward to integrating practically the industry 4.0 technologies, it is mandatory to deal with information unavailability problems to manage better the mining machines by maintenance KPIs. This close monitoring issue is more present in the maintenance information’s flow through all the organization management level. This research presents the predictive maintenance system PdMSys design using model-based system engineering according to the system life cycle management paradigm. The use of a modeling language such as SysML helped dissect all aspects to meet the mining industry stakeholders' needs and expectations regarding the PdMSys features. PdMSys is a transversal and customized system created for three users’ hierarchical levels. The system sources data from the field sensors, the machine's parameters, and other systems databases to enable first monitoring assets' health state and secondly effectively managing the maintenance KPIs across the ore mine. This paper discusses the ability of PdMSys to transform the company's traditional practices into digital and proactive. Additionally, the financial benefits of implementing PdMSys are also presented. Lastly, the authors address PdMSys resilience to handle scalability and interoperability. Keywords— Predictive maintenance, Industry 4.0, Key performance indicators management, Model based system engineering, System modeling language

Systems Modeling Language (SysML v2) Support for Digital Engineering

ABSTRACTThe OMG Systems Modeling Language™ (SysML®) was adopted in 2006 and has been used by many organizations to support their efforts to transition to a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) approach. SysML v2 is the next generation Systems Modeling Language and is intended to address many of the limitations of SysML v1. This paper highlights how the SysML v2 language and the new standard Application Programming Interface (API) can enable MBSE and digital engineering.SysML v2 is being developed by the SysML v2 Submission Team (SST) in response to requirements issued by the Object Management Group (OMG). The final submission to the OMG is planned for 2022. The draft SysML v2 specifications and the open‐source SysML v2 pilot implementation can be found at https://github.com/Systems-Modeling.

Man-Machine Modeling and Safety Analysis Method for Landing Process Based on SysML and Simulink

The large-scale system’s mission process and the interaction within the system are becoming more complex with the improvement of the integration and intelligence, and the complex interactions among multiple factors, such as the unsafe behavior of personnel, equipment failures, and environmental interference, make safety analysis a greater challenge. Aimed at the safety of carrier aircraft, an integrated system modeling and safety analysis method for aircraft landing process were proposed based on System Modeling Language (SysML) and Simulink. First, the SysML models were built according to the analysis of the mission process, including system structure and behavior process, using multiple diagrams. Second, the SysML models were transformed into and integrated with the Simulink platform to build entity models with continuous dynamic characteristics and to perform safety analysis through simulation. Finally, an example of aircraft attitude control during landing was given to demonstrate the proposed method, and the safety states were analyzed and assessed under different disturbance conditions.

Self-Adaptation Driven by SysML and Goal Models -- A Literature Review

Background: Socio-cyber-physical systems (SCPSs) are a type of cyber-physical systems with social concerns. Many SCPSs, such as smart homes, must be able to adapt to reach an optimal symbiosis with users and their contexts. The Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is frequently used to specify ordinary CPSs, whereas goal modeling is a requirements engineering approach used to describe and reason about social concerns. Objective: This paper aims to assess existing modeling techniques that support adaptation in SCPSs, and in particular those that integrate SysML with goal modeling. Method: A systematic literature review presents the main contributions of 52 English articles selected from five databases that use both SysML and goal models (17 techniques), SysML models only (11 techniques), or goal models only (8 techniques) for analysis and self-adaptation. Result: Existing techniques have provided increasingly better modeling support for adaptation in a SCPS context, but overall analysis support remains weak. The techniques that combine SysML and goal modeling offer interesting benefits by tracing goals to SysML (requirements) diagrams and influencing the generation of predefined adaptation strategies for expected contexts, but few target adaptation explicitly and most still suffer from a partial coverage of important goal modeling concepts and of traceability management issues.