Coupling Model-Based Systems Analysis & Engineering Tools

Industry’s embrace of digital engineering practices permits engineers from different teams (and possibly geographic locations) to collaboratively synthesize complex system architectures. These efforts are supported by the complementary use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Model-Based Systems Analysis (MBSA) tools. However, coupling these tools together leads to conflicting sources of truth - MBSE holds system-level design requirements and parameters, while MBSA holds subsystem- and component-level ones - a critical gap that must be addressed. We developed a framework and open-source API to couple MBSE-MBSA tools using a centralized data schema, which acts as an interface between all systems engineering and disciplinary analysis tools. The framework facilitates information mapping between the central data schema and each tool, enabling different design tools to be flexibly coupled as the design advances. A demonstration of the framework is performed in the context of supporting NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership by importing and modifying data in a MagicDraw Systems of Systems Architect model. It is shown that coupling the MBSE and MBSA tools with a centralized data schema facilitates seamless data transfer while minimizing an organization’s overhead costs to pursue more interconnected workflows within an emergent digital ecosystem.

This work was funded by The Boeing Company project: “Phase I Model-Based Systems Analysis and Engineering (MBSA&E) Framework Development & Assessment for NASA Sustainable Flight National Partnership (SFNP)”. The contract number is “SSOW-BRT-L1023-0237”. Alex Carrere was the Technical Monitor.