Model-based Systems Engineering methodology for defining multi-physics simulation models

Abstract

Due to the increasing complexity of the systems to be developed, it is necessary to proceed to an ever more precise modeling. The design of products delivered to customer are driven by industrial criteria grouped under the acronym SWaP-C (Size, Weight and Power and Cost). They must be the smallest, lightest, most energy-efficient, least expensive and most efficient as possible, with even shorter lead times and limited budgets. We identified two main problems in the design of complex systems, the need of a clear interface between Systems Engineering and Model Providers, and an adequate consideration of multi-physics and multi-component interactions. This paper suggests a methodology developed to ensure a consistency between the system architecture and models of physics simulation. This methodology creates a bridge between MBSE and physical simulation discipline by implementing an additional diagram/viewpoint on the ARCADIA method. This viewpoint will specify the models, organize model building and give stakeholders a common document on which they can exchange. It also allows being exhaustive on the interfaces and the physics involved. MBSE allows the understanding of customer needs, an exhaustive definition of system functionalities and setting up a physical architecture that serves as a reference for the construction of the physical simulation model architecture.