Mauro Pasquinelli

System Model Optimization through Functional Models Execution: Methodology and Application to System-Level Analysis

This paper presents the results of a research study related to the application of Functional Modeling and Design Optimization methods in a Model Based System Engineering environment. In particular the potential developments related to the integration of commercial and non commercial tools for the preliminary design phase of a given product are discussed, evaluating the possibility to integrate the functional modeling methodologies studied in the frame of the STEPS1 project activity for a better product definition, through a coherent description of the system model behavior by means of simulation models instantiations. The possibility to introduce the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization approach has been also considered in an object oriented way, aiming for a deeper analysis of the systems under study and to verify the feasibility in improving the multidisciplinary system knowledge, ensuring a better performance analysis without losing the reliability of models. A reference case regarding an electrical-mechanical device for space applications has been developed, to demonstrate the benefits and verify the validity of the selected modeling and simulation approach. To achieve this objective, a scenario is identified and related to specific requirements. Thus the simulation is set to verify that the specified requirements are satisfied by the system model and optimized after a proper selection of the design variables for the system under analysis. A final discussion about the achieved results concludes the article to assess the advantages of the presented approach, integrated in a distributed modeling and simulation environment.

Modelling and collaboration across organizations: Issues and a solution:

This article describes the results of the space cluster of the Use-it-wisely project, which is investigating new business models implementing continuous product-service adaptation through a sequence of small innovative steps in six key industry sectors (clusters): energy, machinery, space, office workspace, vehicles manufacturing and shipbuilding. Six independent cluster developments and a common platform compose the main output. The space cluster (composed by TAS-I, ALTEC and Vastalla) researches a quick response through the use of model-based and simulation-based processes enabled by distributed environments across different organizations. TAS-I and ALTEC study the use of a web-based environment, a model-based tool and virtual reality and its interfaces with potential customers, using an internal project as reference case, including space and ground segments. Vastalla studies and develops the infrastructure able to connect different environments in different networks, including a customer front-end. This article shows the identified issues on collaboration with model-based approaches and the expected benefits.

Space Systems Development

This chapter describes the Space cluster use case using the innovative Space Tug project as an example. It provides an overview of the objectives (customer in the loop, quicker technical response) and related methods to support foreseen improvements through a dedicated toolchain. The IT infrastructure used for the demonstration is used as an enabling and demonstrative system with a focus on modelling and collaboration aspects, as outlined in Chapter “ Extending the System Model”, on the flow of information, and on tool infrastructure and project costs. Descriptions of the developed tools are as follows: A web-based toolchain that includes functional analysis, discipline analysis, 3D modelling and virtual reality for project team collaboration. A workflow manager for collaboration between different companies. Small devices called ‘probes’ to ensure security and data protection in intercompany collaboration. A configurable customer front-end to ensure that the customer remains informed.

Extending the System Model

This chapter briefly reviews the state of the art in existing system modelling practice in support of project activities that span a product’s lifecycle in different industry types (e.g., large series, small series, one-of-a-kind). Issues of collaboration, gaps in supporting the entire lifecycle and the advantages of defining (and sharing) semantics are discussed. The benefits achieved through the use of models to maintain control of system consistency are described, along with examples of the requirements for using this approach in practice and the potential impacts on company workflow. The maturity and expected advantages of known solutions and proposed extensions to current practices are also described.

System Modeling Framework and MDO Tool Integration: MBSE Methodologies Applied to Design and Analysis of Space System

This paper presents the results of a research study related to the integration of a Design Optimization Framework in a Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) environment. The main aim of this work concerns the feasibility of such connection in order to assess actual advantages and possible drawbacks. The objective is to show how the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) methods may be managed in the context of a MBSE environment with respect to the traditional design approach. Basically this analysis is addressed to the demonstration of the benefits of MBSE methodology in the field of aerospace engineering. The state of the art of the considered methodology is briefly introduced in the first part of the paper. The following part concerns the description of the modeling activities that have been used to define system characteristics. System data model is defined through a Domain Specific Language (DSL) on the basis of MBSE paradigm and managed through a web application tool. Design optimization functionalities are also integrated within this framework to assess if possible advantages can be obtained. A test case is presented in the following section, reporting the results reached and discussing their meaning. A comparison between the MBSE approach and the traditional one is then proposed in the final section.