Automated Identification of Valid Model Networks Using Model-Based Systems Engineering

Systems, vol. 10, pp. 250

Abstract

To handle increasing complexity in product development, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches are well suited, in which the technical system is represented in a system model. To efficiently test requirements, domain models are integrated into the system model. For each purpose (e.g., battery lifetime calculation), there are typically several models at several fidelity levels. Since the model signatures (i.e., necessary inputs for the models and their outputs) differ depending on the fidelity level, not all models can be used in any development phase. In addition, due to the different model signatures, not all models can be combined arbitrarily to model networks. Currently, valid model networks in system models must be determined in a time-consuming, manual process. Therefore, this paper presents an approach that automates this task via the implementation of an algorithm that analyzes a system model and the model signatures and automatically returns all valid model networks. When input parameters, models or their signatures change, the algorithm updates automatically, and the user receives the valid model network without any manual effort. The approach is demonstrated with the running example of battery system development.

Authors 7

1. Julius Moritz Berges corresponding Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

2. Kathrin Spütz Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

3. Georg Jacobs Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

4. Julia Kowalski Aachen Methods for Model–based Development in Computational Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Methods for Model-Based Development in Computational Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

5. Thilo Zerwas Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

6. Joerg Berroth Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany

7. Christian Konrad Aachen Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstraße 18, 52062 Aachen, Germany