Systems Engineering Methodology Research Articles

Model‐based analysis and specification of functional requirements and tests for complex automotive systems

AbstractThe specification of requirements and tests are crucial activities in automotive development projects. However, due to the increasing complexity of automotive systems, practitioners fail to specify requirements and tests for distributed and evolving systems with complex interactions when following traditional development processes. To address this research gap, we propose a technique that starts with the early identification of validation concerns from a stakeholder perspective, which we use to systematically design tests that drive a scenario‐based modeling and analysis of system requirements. To ensure complete and consistent requirements and test specifications in a form that is required in automotive development projects, we develop a Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology. This methodology supports system architects and test designers in the collaborative application of our technique and in maintaining a central system model, in order to automatically derive the required specifications. We evaluate our methodology by applying it at KOSTAL (Tier1 supplier) and within student projects as part of the masters program Embedded Systems Engineering. Our study corroborates that our methodology is applicable and improves existing requirements and test specification processes by supporting the integrated and stakeholder‐focused modeling of product and validation systems, where the early definition of stakeholder and validation concerns fosters a problem‐oriented, iterative and test‐driven requirements modeling.

Systems Engineering Transformation: Transdisciplinary Endeavor


 
 
 System Engineering (SE) solves the most complex problems by bringing together societal issues, theoretical engineering, and the transformation of theory into products and services to better mankind and reduce suffering. The research of this paper utilizes transdisciplinary engineering to develop a SE methodology for the concept stage permitting proposal generation accuracy and expediency to provide solutions to counter regional aggressive threats.
 Today’s world stage is witnessing superpower dominance over neighboring less military-capable nations. The societal impact goes beyond the borders of conflict and affects the world’s global market. In the deterrence of dominance, the United States’ posture is providing weapon systems to the victim in our increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. The US has many reasons to make this technology available to other nations; just as it has many reasons to constrain proliferation.
 The United States Government is energizing the U.S. defense industry to provide the needed weapon systems following US prescribed acquisition methods. The sale of US weapon systems to International Customers is through a US defense contractor implementing a specialized acquisition model specific for international customers acquiring exportable defense articles. These constraints in the form of export regulations, critical to this paper, are essential to account for early in the concept development. The added complexity to concept development in international defense is that in addition to the usual, “what capabilities does the customer need to accomplish their mission?” and “what are the alternative solutions?” questions, we need to address the fact that US contracts may be required to limit capabilities and/or the technical solution space in opposition to the international customer’s desires. Whereas we normally turn to systems engineering processes to address such complex problems, we have found that the current SE methodology for the concept stage does not address the complexities associated with international sales.
 The international customers’ need for complex solutions in an expedited time frame emphasizes the prime contractor’s complex and inadequate proposal concept stage. Under U.S. government procurement, the prime contractor shifts a portion of the design phase into the concept phase. This modality requires significant time and funding to fully develop the technical baseline, meanwhile, the international customer requires a solution to react to an immediate threat to their country’s safety. The main objective of this research is to develop a system engineering methodology for the concept stage to effectively understand the technical baseline maturity for proposals specific to International Customers.
 
 

Challenges in Developing a Method to Support the Adoption of a Model‐Based Systems Engineering Methodology

ABSTRACTTo improve design performance and achieve sustainability, organisations are looking to change their systems engineering practices. A model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology provides a framework for integrating, associating, orchestrating, and connecting executable and interactive models. It improves early verification and validation of system specifications and architectures, as well as communication and collaboration between project stakeholders. In this sense, MBSE has a truly systemic aspect. The variables to be considered when designing a support strategy are numerous and multidimensional. As a result, this situation can lead to contradictions in the choice of actions to be implemented, or to paradoxes that are likely to slow down the progress of the deployment project with the engineers. Currently, there is no method to support teams in charge of a methodological transformation (for example, in MBSE) to facilitate the adoption of this methodology. This article identifies the main challenges involved in developing such a methodology.

System engineering design approach and virtual assessment of a new charging arm concept for LHC robotic TIM

System engineering (SE) methods and principles are nowadays widely adopted in the product development processes, especially in the industrial sector, where saving production time and costs are primary goals. This work describes an application of a particular SE methodology, the V-model-based design, in which the system development lifecycle is divided on the basis of a graphical V-shaped scheme, called V-model. Following this approach, a new concept of charging arm for Robotic Train Inspection Monorail (TIM) of Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) has been developed. The current charging arm version is affected by several issues and limits that have led to the necessity of a new solution. Starting from the first stages of functional requirements (FRs) definition and decomposition (left side of the “V”), a new concept has been implemented, in order to be tested for its verification and validation (right side of the “V”). As part of the principles of SE, the process has been based on virtual models of the product and on virtual simulations of its operation, rather than on the realization of time-consuming and expensive physical models and tests, even if a final physical prototype has also been built and some physical operative tests have also been carried out on it. These tests have showed that the new product appears to fulfill each one of its FRs and overcome the limits imposed by the previous version. The future commissioning and operative tests in the real operating condition and location shall definitely validate the new product.

Model Based Systems Engineering Concepts and Methodologies for Modeling of Renewable Power Plants

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the formal application of a model-centered methodology for the design activities of engineered systems, being especially useful to support design requirements verification and validation of complex systems. The complexity of a system can be measured according to the number and relationships of the system elements. The design of renewable power plants has grown in complexity in last few decades, due to the integration of new technologies and the application of grid-code requirements. In this paper, a review of MBSE main concepts and leading methodologies (processes, methods, and tools) will be made with the objective of analyzing its application on the renewable power plants modelling and design. Key words. Model-based systems engineering, renewable power plant, complex system, model, methodology.

A model‐based systems engineering framework for quantum dot solar cells development

AbstractCurrently, a wide range of newly designed devices are based on high‐end quantum technologies. To successfully design a quantum system, it is necessary to appropriately address the increasing complexity which exists in the development procedure of the system. A suitable approach to deal with this problem is to employ systems engineering models and integrate them with domain engineering tools. The model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology is commonly used to analyze, design, manufacture, and test various complex systems. In this paper, the MBSE approach is chosen for the development of quantum dot solar cells as a typical quantum system and to deal with the complexity existing in this procedure. The analysis, manufacturing, and verification, validation, and testing (VV&T) for this system are described using SysML in Cameo Systems Modeler software to represent the role of models in this regard. Then a detailed design is performed in MATLAB and integrated with SysML to identify how changing various parameters during the system development process affects the overall system performance. This technique facilitates the communication between different engineering teams and helps to manage the complexity in the entire system lifecycle.

Implementation and Assessment of a Comprehensive Model-Based Systems Engineering Methodology with Regard to User Acceptance in Practice

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is becoming increasingly popular, not only in research but also in industrial companies. However, MBSE approaches (i.e. methods, frameworks, ontologies, and tools) are usually developed at a scientific level, so that they are too generic and formal for a company's internal use leading to acceptance issues in industrial practice. Against this background, this contribution presents a comprehensive user-oriented MBSE methodology tackling this lack of acceptance in industrial practice. Based on ten previously derived fields of action for individual and organizational acceptance of MBSE approaches, a first positive evaluation of the MBSE methodology has been received. In this contribution, a further developed MBSE methodology is presented, which is created in cooperation of partners from research and industry. Assessment of this further developed MBSE methodology with six companies across different industries shows a positive impact on acceptance in comparison to existing MBSE approaches across the identified fields of action. Major improvements are seen regarding the perceived performance and benefit of MBSE, the usability of the modeling tool, and the communication within a development team. Smaller improvements are noted regarding the establishment of a clear target picture and modeling process, as well as in tackling ambiguity when modeling in a development team. In addition, research at one of the industrial partners shows that company-specific tailoring and implementation of the developed MBSE methodology can be performed in a fast and straightforward way.

Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach for the First-Stage Separation System of Launch Vehicle

This paper proposes a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology to design a first-stage separation system for a launch vehicle. It focuses on the whole process of system modeling, such as modeling the requirements analysis, logical architecture design, physical architecture design, and system verification and validation. Finally, the component requirements are obtained as the baseline for the component design. Requirements analysis is carried out by identifying stakeholders with the cycle modeling for this system and the use of case modeling to ensure that the requirements are comprehensive and correct. Additionally, the standard system requirements are obtained and baselined. Based on system requirements, the trade-off analysis of hierarchical functional architecture and key indicators was mainly carried out to design the logical architecture. Once the logical architecture was decided, the logical architecture was allocated to the physical architecture to be implemented. Several physical architectures are analyzed hierarchically to seek the optimal architectures. Then, other CAE analysis tools were integrated to verify the physical architecture design. All these processes are modeled and integrated as the authority system model, which benefits the system engineer for managing the requirement changes easier and rapidly provides multi-views for different roles.

TNO‐ESI – Systems Engineering Methodologies for Managing Complexity in the High‐Tech Equipment Industry: Our Roadmap

ABSTRACTThe high‐tech equipment industry brings complex industrial products to the market with high speed, enhanced functionality, a better cost‐performance ratio, and greater integration into customer workflows. Driven by digitalization, the complexity of these systems continues to grow steeply. To manage this complexity, continuous innovation in systems engineering methodologies is needed. TNO‐ESI targets to 1) create impactful and industrially applicable systems engineering methodologies and 2) provide innovation support to the industry to get these applied in an industrial context. The ESI research program is defined through a roadmapping process that follows two tracks: a roadmap that maps industry needs and related research and development requirements and a roadmap that describes the developments in the expertise areas necessary for addressing these industry needs. In this paper, we describe the ESI mission, our way of working and activities, and explain the roadmapping process and the roadmaps.

A “One Engine with Six Gears” System Engineering Methodology for the Economic Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas in China

Unconventional oil and gas resources have become the most important and realistic field for increasing China’s domestic oil and gas reserves and production. At present, the production scale does not match the massive amount of resources and the rapid growth of proven geological reserves. The challenges of technology, cost, management, and methodology restrict large-scale and economic development. Based on successful practices, a “one engine with six gears” system engineering methodology is put forward, which includes life-cycle management, overall synergy, interdisciplinary cross-service integration, market-oriented operation, socialized support, digitalized management, and low-carbon green development. The methodology has been proved to be effective in multiple unconventional oil and gas national demonstration areas, including the Jimusar continental shale oil demonstration area. Disruptive views are introduced—namely, that unconventional oil and gas do not necessarily yield a low return, nor do they necessarily have a low recovery factor. A determination to achieve economic benefit must be a pervasive underlying goal for managers and experts. Return and recovery factors, as primary focuses, must be adhered to during China’s development of unconventional oil and gas. The required methodology transformation includes a revolution in management systems to significantly decrease cost and increase production, resulting in technological innovation.

A Conceptual Model‐Based Systems Engineering Method for Creating Secure Cyber‐Physical Systems

The Air Traffic Control industry is being increasingly exposed to rising levels of risk, as criminals and cyber-attackers look to exploit system vulnerabilities. Air Navigation Service Providers become more demanding regarding cybersecurity concerns in the products they acquire. Consequently, systems engineers need to consider cyber security concerns early in their system's development life cycle. Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies are widely used to manage complex engineering projects in terms of system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities, leaving cyber security aspects aside. This paper presents a conceptual solution of a model-based security method that aims to enable systems engineers to perform threat modeling analysis of cyber-physical systems early and incorporate mitigation strategies into the system design, thereby reducing the cyber-physical system's overall security-related risks. Based on a real-life case study the method will be validated later during execution period from Jan. – May 2022.

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.

An Agent Based Model for Developing Air Traffic Management Software

The Air Traffic Management system is a complex issue that faces factors such as Aircraft Crash Prevention, air traffic controllers pressure, unpredictable weather conditions, flight emergency situations, airplane hijacking, and the need for autonomy on the fly. agent-based software engineering is a new aspect in software engineering that can provide autonomy. agent-based systems have some properties such: cooperation of agents with each other in order to meet their goals, autonomy in function, learning and Reliability that can be used for air traffic management systems. In this paper, we first study the agent-based software engineering and its methodologies, and then design a agent-based software model for air traffic management. The proposed model has five modules .this model is designed for aircraft ,air traffic control and navigations aids factors based on the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) architecture. The agent-based system was designed using the agent-tool under the multi-agent system engineering (MaSE) methodology, which was eventually developed by the agent-ATC toolkit. In this model, we consider agents for special occasions such as emergency flights’ and hijacking airplanes in airport air traffic management areas which is why the accuracy of the work increased. It also made the flight’s sequence arrangement in take-off and landing faster, which indicates a relative improvement in the parameters of the air traffic management

Assessment of the Potential of Electric Propulsion for General Aviation Using Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) Methodology

Climate change currently taking place around the world requires humanity to take decisive action. One way, as envisaged in the European Green Deal, is to reduce the emissions of harmful chemical compounds of the transport sector by 90% by 2050. This reduction also applies to aviation. The most commonly suggested means of achieving this goal is the electrification of aviation. In this paper, the possibilities of using small general aviation aircraft (for up to two people) with electric propulsion used for sport flying, particularly for pilot training and glider towing, have been analysed. For this purpose, simulation models have been developed in MATLAB/Simulink environment for three different tasks: cross-country flight, performing a certain number of touch-and-go procedures during one flight, and towing a glider. Three aircraft representing different classes were selected for analysis: Diamond DA20 Katana, WT-9 Dynamic, and PZL-101 Gawron. Based on data collected from pilots and publicly available flight records, minimum performance requirements for particular tasks were determined. The number of batteries that power the electric propulsion system of the analysed aircraft was selected in such a way that no geometrical changes in the aircraft structure are necessary and the MTOW (Maximum Take Off Weight) is not exceeded. Obtained results indicate the possibility of using small electric aircrafts derived from UL (ultralight) class in flights taking place near airports, performing touch-and-go procedures and towing gliders.

Accessibility for maintenance in the engine room: development and application of a prediction tool for operational costs estimation

ABSTRACT When dealing with maintenance in the ship's engine room, the space available around machinery and systems plays an important role. A proper clearance is usually indicated by the system supplier to perform maintenance operations. This space depends on the items dimensions, the kind of intervention and on the human operator, to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous positions. However sometimes the limited space in the engine rooms (as in warships, passenger ships, research vessels) implies critical issues in complying with such ideal clearances. This work aims to develop a tool to define a relation between the maintenance costs increase and the clearance reduction, regarding a single item and/or for the whole system. This tool improves the decision-making process during the design of engine room’s layout, enabling the comparison among different solutions in terms of operational costs. The approach relies on data-driven models and Bayesian inference. The predictive tool, inserted on the Systems Engineering methodology, has been tested on a real case.

Quality Insight: Quality Integration Using Engineering Systems Methodology

Quality Insight: Quality Integration Using Engineering Systems Methodology

Quality insight: quality integration using engineering systems methodology

Quality insight: quality integration using engineering systems methodology

A METHODOLOGY TO SUPPORT EARLY STAGE OFF-THE-SHELF NAVAL VESSEL ACQUISITIONS

This paper describes a research programme to construct a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology that supports acquiring organisations in the early stages of Off-the-Shelf (OTS) naval vessel acquisitions. A structured approach to design and requirements definition activities has been incorporated into the methodology to provide an easily implemented, reusable approach that supports defensible acquisition of OTS naval vessels through traceability of decisions. The methodology comprises two main parts. Firstly, a design space is developed from the capability needs using Set-Based Design principles, Model-Based Conceptual Design, and Design Patterns. A key idea is to employ Concept and Requirements Exploration to trim the design space to the region of OTS designs most likely to meet the needs. This region can be used to specify Request for Tender (RFT) requirements. Secondly, the methodology supports trades-off between the OTS design options proposed in the RFT responses using a multi-criteria decision making method. The paper includes an example implementation of the methodology for an indicative Offshore Patrol Vessel capability.

Digital Twin-Enabled Decision Support in Mission Engineering and Route Planning

This article presents a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology for the development of a Digital Twin (DT) for an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with the ability to demonstrate route selection capability with a Mission Engineering (ME) focus. It reviews the concept of ME and integrates ME with a MBSE framework for the development of the DT. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study where the UAS is deployed for a Last Mile Delivery (LMD) mission in a military context where adversaries are present, and a route optimization module recommends an optimal route to the user based on a variety of inputs including potential damage or destruction of the UAS by adversary action. The optimization module is based on Multiple Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) which analyzes predefined criteria which the user assessed would enable the successful conduct of the UAS mission. The article demonstrates that the methodology can execute a ME analysis for route selection to support a user’s decision-making process. The discussion section highlights the key MBSE artifacts and also highlights the benefits of the methodology which standardizes the decision-making process thereby reducing the negative impact of human factors which may deviate from the predefined criteria.

Feature‐driven systems engineering procedure for standardized product‐line development

AbstractNumerous systems engineering (SE) methods for the model‐based and textual specification of systems focus on managing complexity solely by partitioning the system based on physical structures or by defining different views of the system and therefore reach their limits in agile development. The increasing demand for an agile system development requires an agile systems engineering procedure for the model‐based and textual top‐down specification of systems. Although function‐based development, variant management, and product line development are well established in software engineering, previous work has failed to introduce methods for the agile specification of systems by combining established methods from systems and software engineering. For that purpose, this paper demonstrates a new SE methodology, which for the first time combines conventional SE methods with the agile development procedure of feature‐driven development. The methodology is systematically developed based on theoretical analyses and its suitability for the application‐specific definition of feature‐driven development processes is demonstrated using the example of reference architectures for XiL simulation models of electric vehicles. By applying feature‐driven development, the resulting CUBE methodology enhances collaboration in interdisciplinary development teams and enables companies to adapt development processes to a more agile top‐down specification of systems.