scholarly journals Towards Holistic System Models Including Domain-Specific Simulation Models Based on SysML

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Yizhe Zhang ◽  
Gregor Hoepfner ◽  
Joerg Berroth ◽  
Gerwin Pasch ◽  
Georg Jacobs

In the face of the rapid growth in the scale and complexity of multidisciplinary systems, being able to develop reliable systems under ever-faster changing and more individual market requirements is becoming more and more challenging. The Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach has already been researched heavily, and started to be introduced for the management of complexity, maintaining consistency, and reducing development costs and the time-to-market. However, a major drawback of the current MBSE methodologies is the lack of capability to integrate with domain-specific simulation models to investigate design concepts in the early phases of the development process. In order to address this issue, we propose a holistic system modeling approach that allows system engineers to link descriptive system models with domain-specific simulation models. In this paper, the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is used as the standard architecture modeling language. A system modeling approach in SysML based on the system’s functional architecture for system design and validation is defined. The approach was developed to integrate domain-specific models into the system model using a SysML modeler with the capability of running and reusing simulation tasks via the coupling of external tools, which helps to bridge the existing gap between models on the system level and detail level. The feasibility of the proposed approach will be evaluated based on the case study of a wind turbine (WT) system. The study shows that our approach has the potential to enable the consistent, parameter-based interlinkage of domain-specific models based on always-up-to-date data, and to assist engineers in making design decisions to meet the system requirements accurately and rapidly in different engineering fields.

Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas L. Van Bossuyt ◽  
Paul Beery ◽  
Bryan M. O’Halloran ◽  
Alejandro Hernandez ◽  
Eugene Paulo

This article presents an educational approach to applied capstone research projects using a mission engineering focus. It reviews recent advances in mission engineering within the Department of Defense and integrates that work into an approach for research within the Systems Engineering Department at the Naval Postgraduate School. A generalized sequence of System Definition, System Modeling, and System Analysis is presented as an executable sequence of activities to support analysis of operational missions within a student research project at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). That approach is detailed and demonstrated through analysis of the integration of a long-range strike capability on a MH-60S helicopter. The article serves as a demonstration of an approach for producing operationally applicable results from student projects in the context of mission engineering. Specifically, it demonstrates that students can execute a systems engineering project that conducts system-level design with direct consideration of mission impacts at the system of systems level. Discussion of the benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed and suggestions for integrating mission engineering into capstone courses are provided.


2012 ◽  
Vol 249-250 ◽  
pp. 1154-1159
Author(s):  
Yu Sheng Liu ◽  
Wen Qiang Yuan

Model based systems engineering (MBSE) is becoming a promising approach for the system-level design of complex mechatronics. And several MBSE tools are developed to conduct system modeling. However, the system design cannot be optimized in current MBSE tools. In this study, an approach is presented to conduct the task. A set of optimization stereotype is defined at first which is used to formalize the optimization model based on the system design model. Then the design parameters and their relationships applied optimization stereotypes are extracted and transferred to construct the tool-dependent optimization model. Finally, the optimization model is solved and the results are given back and then modify the corresponding system model automatically. In this paper, MagicDraw is used to model the whole system whereas Matlab optimizer is used for optimization. The combustion engine is chosen as the example to illustrate the proposed approach.


Author(s):  
Trevor Bailey ◽  
Suzanne Woll ◽  
Rajul Misra ◽  
Kevin Otto

This paper presents a model-based systems engineering methodology that can be applied to perform a root cause analysis on transient systems. The methodology extends existing root cause analysis best practice by incorporating system modeling and analysis techniques. The methodology is deployed through a detailed 5-step process to understand, identify, assess, FMEA, and validate potential transient system-level root causes. A transient performance reliability analysis for a dual mode refrigeration system is used to demonstrate how the methodology can be applied. The paper also describes a set of success factors for applying the methodology using a phased approach with a large cross-functional team.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Doudou Nanitamo Luta ◽  
Atanda K. Raji

This paper presents a model of hybrid photovoltaic-wind power system based on SysML (System Modeling Language) which is a modeling language in supports to Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. MBSE refers to a formalized procedure of systems development through the application of modeling principles, methods, languages and tools to the complete lifetime of a system.  Broadly speaking, the modeling of power systems is performed using software such as Matlab/Simulink, DigSilent, PowerWorld, ETAP, etc. These tools allow modeling considering a particular point of view depending on the objective that is to be assessed. SysML offers different aspects ranging from specifications and requirements, structure and behavior. This study focuses more specifically on the structural and behavioral modeling of hybrid photovoltaic-wind system; the main objective is to demonstrate the use of SysML in power systems’ modeling by developing models capturing the system’s major requirements, the structure and connection between entities, the interaction between stakeholders and the system itself and lastly, the system’s behavior in terms of transition between states.


SIMULATION ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (12) ◽  
pp. 1185-1211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Bocciarelli ◽  
Andrea D’Ambrogio ◽  
Alberto Falcone ◽  
Alfredo Garro ◽  
Andrea Giglio

The increasing complexity of modern systems makes their design, development, and operation extremely challenging and therefore new systems engineering and modeling and simulation (M&S) methods, techniques, and tools are emerging, also to benefit from distributed simulation environments. In this context, one of the most mature and popular standards for distributed simulation is the IEEE 1516-2010 - Standard for M&S high level architecture (HLA). However, building and maintaining distributed simulations components, based on the IEEE 1516-2010 standard, is still a challenging and effort-consuming task. To ease the development of full-fledged HLA-based simulations, the paper proposes the MONADS method (MOdel-driveN Architecture for Distributed Simulation), which relies on the model-driven systems engineering paradigm. The method takes as input system models specified in Systems Modeling Language, the reference modeling language in the systems engineering field, and produces as output the final code of the corresponding HLA-based distributed simulation through a chain of model-to-model and model-to-text transformations. The obtained simulation code is based on the HLA Development Kit software framework, which has been developed by the SMASH-Lab (System Modeling and Simulation Hub - Laboratory) of the University of Calabria (Italy), in cooperation with the Software, Robotics, and Simulation Division (ER) of NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston (TX, USA). The effectiveness of the method is shown through a case study that concerns a military patrol operation, in which a set of drones are engaged to patrol the border of a military area, in order to prevent both ground and flight attacks from entering the area.


Author(s):  
Lou Qualls ◽  
Richard Hale ◽  
Sacit Cetiner ◽  
David Fugate ◽  
John Batteh ◽  
...  

Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer potential for addressing the nation’s long-term energy needs. However, the project design cycle for new reactor concepts is lengthy. As part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced SMR research and development program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing a Dynamic System Modeling Tool (MoDSIM) to facilitate rapid instrumentation and controls studies of SMR concepts. Traditional nuclear reactor design makes use of verified and validated codes to meet the strict quality assurance requirements of the licensing process for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. However, there are significant engineering analyses and high-level decisions required prior to the rigorous design phase. These analyses typically do not require high-fidelity codes. Different organizations and researchers may examine various plant configuration options prior to formal design activities. Engineers and managers must continuously make down-selection decisions regarding potential reactor architectures and subsystems. Traditionally, the modeling of these complex systems has been based on legacy models. Considerable time and effort are necessary to understand and manipulate these legacy models. For trade-space studies, two developments in the model-based systems engineering space represent a significant advancement in the ability of engineering tools to meet these demands. The first is Modelica: a nonproprietary, equation-based, object-oriented modeling language for cyber-physical systems. The second is the Functional Mockup Interface: a standardized, open interface for model exchange, simulation, and deployment. ORNL’s MoDSIM tool makes use of these developments and is intended to provide a flexible and robust dynamic system-modeling environment for SMRs. This includes single or multiple reactors, perhaps sharing common resources, or producing both electricity and process heat for local consumption or feeding a regional grid. MoDSIM uses the open-source modeling language (Modelica) and incorporates a user interface, coupled dynamic models, and analysis capabilities that will enable non-expert modelers to perform sophisticated end-to-end system simulations of both neutronic and thermal-hydraulic models. This approach enables open-source and crowd-source-type collaborations for model development of SMRs in an approach similar to open-source and open-design techniques currently used for software production and complex system design. As part of the tool development, an example SMR was chosen (advanced liquid metal reactor [ALMR]) and the ALMR models developed and interface tools demonstrated. For initial verification purposes, the results from these Modelica simulations are compared with the results documented for the earlier ALMR power-reactor innovative small-module concept. These results, as well as initial demonstrations of the tool for different control strategies, are presented in this paper.


Author(s):  
Johannes Gross ◽  
Rudranarayan Mukherjee

In this paper we will show an integration of a JPL-internal multi body simulation tool within the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) tool MagicDraw. The SysML provides the means to model requirements, functions, structure and behavior of a system. Integrating a multi body physics simulation with this language creates a seamless way to combine system level questions with the detailed design. The integration allows for the import and export of the simulation models as well as the definition of metrics on the simulation. The system model can be used to express the requirements, the tests that verify the satisfaction and the implementation of the system according to these requirements. Having all the different aspects in one central model reduces the thread of inconsistencies through reuse and linking of model elements. The SysML model allows for an easier creation of large models and the integration with other disciplines is already prepared.


Author(s):  
Franc¸ois Christophe ◽  
Raivo Sell ◽  
Alain Bernard ◽  
Eric Coatane´a

This article focuses on a key phase of the conceptual design, the synthesis of structural concepts of solution. Several authors have described this phase of Engineering Design. The Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) is one of these models. This study is based on the combined use of a modified version of Gero’s FBS model and the latest developments of modeling languages for systems engineering. System Modeling Language (SysML) is a general-purpose graphical modeling language for specifying, analyzing, designing, and verifying complex systems. Our development shows how SysML types of diagrams match with our updated vision of the FBS model of conceptual design. The objective of this paper is to present the possibility to use artificial intelligence tools as members of the design team for supporting the synthesis process. The common point of expert systems developed during last decades for the synthesis of conceptual solutions is that their knowledge bases were application dependent. Latest research in the field of Ontology showed the possibility to build knowledge representations in a reusable and shareable manner. This allows the construction of knowledge representation for engineering in a more generic manner and dynamic mapping of the ontology layers. We present here how processing on ontology allows the synthesis of conceptual solutions.


Author(s):  
Ruirui Chen ◽  
Yusheng Liu ◽  
Yue Cao ◽  
Jianjun Zhao ◽  
Lin Yuan ◽  
...  

AbstractSystem architecture is important for the design of complex mechatronic systems because it acts as an intermediator between conceptual design and detail design. An explicit and exact system modeling language is imperative for successful architecture design. However, some deficiencies remain, such as the lack of geometry elements, hybrid behavior description, and specific association semantics for existing architecture modeling languages. In this study, a Systems Modeling Language extension for mechatronic system architecture modeling called ArchME is proposed. The requirements for the mechatronic System Modeling Language are analyzed, and the metamodels are defined. Then, the modeling elements are determined. Finally, the profiles based on the systems modeling language are defined to support the modeling of function, behavior, structure, and their association. This enables system designers to model the system architecture and facilitates communication between different stakeholders. A case study is provided to demonstrate the modeling capability of ArchME.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2321
Author(s):  
Azad M. Madni

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has made significant strides in the last decade and is now beginning to increase coverage of the system life cycle and in the process generating many more digital artifacts. The MBSE community today recognizes the need for a flexible framework to efficiently organize, access, and manage MBSE artifacts; create and use digital twins for verification and validation; facilitate comparative evaluation of system models and algorithms; and assess system performance. This paper presents progress to date in developing a MBSE experimentation testbed that addresses these requirements. The current testbed comprises several components, including a scenario builder, a smart dashboard, a repository of system models and scenarios, connectors, optimization and learning algorithms, and simulation engines, all connected to a private cloud. The testbed has been successfully employed in developing an aircraft perimeter security system and an adaptive planning and decision-making system for autonomous vehicles. The testbed supports experimentation with simulated and physical sensors and with digital twins for verifying system behavior. A simulation-driven smart dashboard is used to visualize and conduct comparative evaluation of autonomous and human-in-the-loop control concepts and architectures. Key findings and lessons learned are presented along with a discussion of future directions.


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