The Modeling and Simulation Interoperability (MSI) Challenge Team is one component of the INCOSE/OMG Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Initiative.

The MSI team is advancing how models interact with each other throughout the system lifecycle to benefit stakeholders.

A key subset of this is interconnecting system specification & design models with multiple engineering analysis and simulation models (e.g., interconnecting SysML-based system models with traditional models including CAD, CAE, reliability, costing, programmatics, PLM, and so on).

In this context “models” range from systems-of-systems models to physical component models and all points in between, including associated models for design, analysis, and simulation, as well as manufacturing, operation, and other lifecycle stages depending on the type of systems involved.

Our main target stakeholders and envisioned measures of success are highlighted here:

Modeling & Simulation End Users (including System Modelers): By learning and applying our team’s patterns and techniques, end users will develop, link, and use models and simulations more effectively (e.g., in ways that are faster, more flexible, more automated, etc.).

Tool Developers: By learning and applying our patterns and techniques, tool developers will develop tools and interfaces more effectively to meet end user needs.

Standards & Specification Developers: By seeing specific examples driven by end user needs, standards developers will have clear illustrations to aid improving current spec versions, as well as enhancements and next-generation advancements for future spec versions.

During Phase 1 our team had these specific objectives:

1. Define & demonstrate capabilities for advanced modeling & simulation interoperability (MSI)
2. Test & demonstrate how SysML facilitates effective MSI
3. Scope
   1. Domain: Mechatronics
   2. Capabilities: Methodologies, tools, requirements, and practical applications
   3. MSI subset: Connecting system specification & design models with multiple engineering analysis & dynamic simulation models

We achieved these objectives and demonstrated associated techniques and tools via a mechatronics-oriented testbed for an excavator system.

In Phase 2 we refined and extended these objectives to address key needs (per Phase 1 experiences) in these areas:

1. Education
2. Research & development
3. Productionization / commercialization / deployment
4. Applications

Specific Phase 2 objectives included these:

1. Extend modeling & simulation interoperability method:
   1. Generalizations: Graph transformations, variable topology, reusability, parametrics updates, trade study support, inconsistency management, E/MBOM extensions, method workflow, etc.
   2. Specializations: software, closed-loop control, electronics, etc.
   3. Interfaces to new tools: Matlab/Simulink, ECAD, Arena, etc.
2. Refine requirements for SysML and tools to support enhanced MSI
   1. Provide feedback to vendors and OMG SysML 1.x task forces
3. Demonstrate extensions in updated testbeds
4. Define deployment plan and initiate execution
5. Refine roadmap beyond Phase 2

We achieved most of these objectives (see Phase 2 report) while some were deferred to Phase 3 or later. This time we demonstrated meeting these objectives via various examples, as well as extending the excavator testbed and adding a mobile robotics testbed.

During Phases 1 and 2 the team scope was largely directed several common research sponsors. In Phase 3 (Mar 2010 – present) our team has expanded and is more loosely coupled and driven by wider a variety of interests.

Still, our overall purpose remains the same and we are seeing exciting progress on a number of fronts. See our INCOSE IW11 presentation for specifics.

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Challenge Team Lead/POC: Russell Peak

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