This study aims to discover and create an overview of how model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is utilized in Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) settings. The overall goal is to identify the challenges and opportunities, the best practices and to find different publication trends that exist for this combination. The combination is interesting to investigate given that MBSE is considered to traditionally be a waterfall-based way of working, whereas SAFe is an Agile way of working. The study was executed by conducting a systematic mapping study. The results we found that were linked to the publication trends where that the number of primary studies investigating the combination of MBSE and SAFe were relatively low, and that the amount of grey literature that were found were higher than peer-reviewed primary studies. The best practices of the combination of MBSE and SAFe were identified by analyzing different methods, tools, and processes. Identified challenges and opportunities of this combination were that it provides: enhanced collaboration and communication capabilities, centralized information about the system under development, reduction of complexity, and decreased development time.

The Concept and Requirements Exploration process used at Virginia Tech is based on a Multi-Objective Optimization approach that explores the design space to produce a Non-Dominated set of ship design solutions ranked objectively by Cost, Risk, and Effectiveness. Prior research and effort has also been made to leverage the validation and verification of the U.S. Navy's ship synthesis design tool, ASSET, into the Virginia Tech Ship Synthesis Model. This thesis applies Design Structure Matrix theory to analyze and optimize the ASSET synthesis process by reducing or removing the feedback dependencies that require the iterative convergence process. This optimized ASSET synthesis process is used as the basis to develop a new Simplified Ship Synthesis Model (SSSM) using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software, ASSET Response Surface Models (RSMs) and simplified parametric equations to build the individual synthesis modules. The current method of calculating an Overall Measure of Effectiveness (OMOE) used at Virginia Tech is based on expert opinion and pairwise comparison. This thesis researches methods for building a Design Reference Mission (DRM) composed of multiple operational situations (OpSits) required by the ship's mission. The DRM is defined using a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach and an overall Ship Design System Architecture to define and understand the relationships between various aspects of the ship design. The system architecture includes the DRM and enables the development of Operational Effectiveness Models (OEMs) as an alternative to an expert opinion-based OMOE. The system architecture also provides the means for redefining and optimizing the entire ship design process by capturing the entire process and all related data into a single repository. This thesis concludes with a preliminary assessment of the utility of these various system engineering tools to the naval ship design process. / Master of Science

Devant l’augmentation de la part des énergies renouvelables en France, cette thèse propose d’étudier l’augmentation de la flexibilité des réacteurs à eau pressurisée en croisant deux disciplines pour, chacune, atteindre des objectifs complémentaires : l’Ingénierie Système (IS) et l’Automatique.Dans le contexte de l’ingénierie de systèmes complexes et du Model Based Systems Engineering, ce travail propose dans un premier temps une méthode de conception se fondant sur les principes normatifs de l’IS et respectant les habitudes et les pratiques courantes en ingénierie de Framatome. Cette méthode a pour vocation de formaliser et assurer le passage des exigences aux architectures et d’améliorer les capacités de vérification des modèles développés lors de la conception. Elle s’organise autour de langages de modélisation interopérables, couvrant l’ensemble des processus promus par l’IS. La méthode proposée est appliquée sur le système dont les performances sont les plus limitantes dans le contexte de l’augmentation de flexibilité : le Core Control. Ce composant algorithmique du réacteur assure le contrôle des paramètres de fonctionnement du cœur : la température moyenne, la distribution axiale de puissance et la position des groupes de grappes.La thèse propose ensuite des contributions techniques relevant du champ de l’Automatique. Il s’agit de concevoir un système de régulation répondant aux exigences issues de la formalisation IS évoquée ci-dessus. La solution proposée repose sur une stratégie de commande hiérarchisée, utilisant la complémentarité des approches dites de commande multi-objectif, de séquencement de gains et enfin de commande prédictive. Un modèle de réacteur nucléaire simplifié innovant est développé à des fins de conception du système de régulation et de simulations intermédiaires. Les résultats obtenus ont montré les capacités d’adaptation de la démarche proposée à des spécifications diverses. Les performances atteintes sont très encourageantes lorsque évaluées en simulation à partir d’un modèle réaliste et comparées à celles obtenues par les modes de pilotages classiques. / In the event of increasing renewable energies in France, this thesis proposes to study the flexibility increase of pressurized water reactors (PWR) throughout two different engineering disciplines aiming at complementary objectives: Systems Engineering (SE) and Control theory.In a first phase, within the frame of complex systems design and Model Based Systems Engineering, this work proposes a SE method based on SE standard principles and compliant with Framatome’s practices and addressing the revealed issues. This SE contribution is twofold: formalize and ensure the path from requirements to system architectures and enhance the capabilities of models verification. The method revolves around interoperable modeling languages, covering the SE processes: from requirement engineering to system architecture design. The method is applied to the system, which performances are the most limiting in the context of flexibility increase: the Core Control. This algorithmic reactor component ensures the control of: the average coolant temperature, the axial offset and the rod bank position, three of the core main functioning parameters.In order to provide a technical contribution relying on some advanced control methodologies. It consists in designing a control system meeting the requirements defined by the SE method application. The proposed solution is in a two-layer control strategy using the synergies of multi-objective control, gain-scheduling and predictive control strategies. A simplified innovative nuclear reactor model is employed to conceive the control algorithm, simulate and verify the developed models. The results obtained from this original approach showed the ability to adapt to various specifications. Compared to conventional core control modes, the simulation results showed very promising performances, while meeting the requirements, when evaluated on a realistic reactor model.

L’analyse de compromis d’un modèle système a pour but de minimiser ou de maximiser différents objectifs tels que le coût ou les performances. Les méthodes actuelles de type OOSEM avec SysML ou ARCADIA sont basées sur la classification ; il s’agit de définir les différentes variantes de l’architecture d’un système de base puis d’analyser ces variantes. Dans ces approches, les choix d’architecture sont contraints : la plateforme d’exécution et la topologie sont déjà figées. Nous proposons la notion de « points de décision » pour modéliser les différents choix du système, en utilisant de nouveaux stéréotypes. L’avantage est d’avoir une modélisation plus « compacte » des différentes variantes et de piloter l’exploration des variantes en utilisant des contraintes. Lorsque le concepteur définit l’architecture du système, des points de décisions sont insérés dans le modèle du système. Ils permettent de modéliser la redondance ou le choix d’une instance pour un composant, les variations des attributs d’un composant, ou l’allocation des activités sur les blocs. Les fonctions objectifs sont définies dans un contexte d’optimisation à l’aide du diagramme paramétrique de SysML. Nous proposons des transformations du modèle SysML vers un problème de satisfaction de contraintes pour l’optimisation (CSMOP) dont la résolution nous permet d’obtenir l’ensemble des architectures optimales. Cette transformation est implantée dans un démonstrateur (plug-in Eclipse) permettant une utilisation conjointe de l’outil Papyrus et de solveurs, disponibles sous forme de logiciels libres. La méthode est illustrée avec des cas d’étude constitués d’une caméra stéréoscopique puis d’un drone, l’ensemble étant modélisé avec Papyrus. / Finding the set of optimal architectures is an important challenge for the designer who uses the Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE). Design objectives such as cost, performance are often conflicting. Current methods (OOSEM with SysML or ARCADIA) are focused on the design and the analysis of a particular alternative of the system. In these methods, the topology and the execution platform are frozen before the optimization. To improve the optimization from MBSE, we propose a methodology combining SysML with the concept of “decision point”. An initial SysML model is complemented with “decisions points” to show up the different alternatives for component redundancy, instance selection and allocation. The constraints and objective functions are also added to the initial SysML model, with an optimiza-tion context and parametric diagram. Then a representation of a constraint satisfaction problem for optimization (CSMOP) is generated with an algorithm and solved with an existing solver. A demonstrator implements this transformation in an Eclipse plug-in, combining the Papyrus open-source tool and CSP solvers. Two case studies illustrate the methodology: a stereoscopic camera sensor module and a mission controller for an Unmanned Aerial Vehi-cle (UAV).

This thesis proposes a framework to design and analyze sustainability within complex urban transportation systems. Urban transit systems have large variability in temporal and spatial resolution, and are common in lifecycle analyses and sustainability studies. Unlike analyses with smaller scope or broader resolution, these systems are composed of numerous interacting layers, each intricate enough to be a complete system on its own. In addition, detailed interaction with the system environment is often not accounted for in lifecycle studies, despite its strong potential effects on the problem domain. To manage such complexity, this thesis suggests a methodology that focuses on integrating existing modeling constructs in a transparent manner, and capturing structural and functional relationships for efficient model reuse. The Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysML ) is used to formally implement the modeling framework. To demonstrate the method, it is applied to a large scale multi-modal transportation network. Analysis of key network parameters such as emissions output, well-to-wheel energy use, and system capacity are presented in a case study of the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. Results of the case study highlight several areas that differ from more traditional lifecycle analysis research. External influences such as regional electricity generation are found to have extremely large effects on environmental impact of a regional mobility system. The model is used to evaluate various future scenarios and finds that existing policy measures for curbing energy use and emissions are insufficient for reducing impact in a growing urban region.

Les systèmes industriels (automobile, aérospatial, etc.) sont de plus en plus complexes à cause des contraintes économiques et écologiques. Cette complexité croissante impose des nouvelles contraintes au niveau du développement. La question de la maitrise de la capacité d’analyse de leurs architectures est alors posée. Pour résoudre cette question, les outils de modélisation et de simulation sont devenus une pratique courante dans les milieux industriels afin de comparer les multiples architectures candidates. Ces outils de simulations sont devenus incontournables pour conforter les décisions. Pourtant, la mise en œuvre des modèles physiques est de plus en plus complexe et nécessite une compréhension spécifique de chaque phénomène simulé ainsi qu’une description approfondie de l’architecture du système, de ses composants et des liaisons entre composants. L’objectif de cette thèse est double. Le premier concerne le développement d’une méthodologie et des outils nécessaires pour construire avec précision les modèles de simulation des architectures de systèmes qu’on désire étudier. Le deuxième s’intéresse à l’introduction d’une approche innovante pour la conception, la production et l’intégration des modèles de simulations en mode « plug and play » afin de garantir la conformité des résultats aux attentes, notamment aux niveaux de la qualité et de la maturité. Pour accomplir ces objectifs, des méthodologies et des processus d’ingénierie des systèmes basés sur les modèles (MBSE) ainsi que les systèmes d’information ont été utilisés. Ce travail de thèse propose pour la première fois un processus détaillé et un outil pour la conception des modèles de simulation. Un référentiel commun nommé « Modèle de carte d'identité (MIC) » a été développé pour standardiser et renforcer les interfaces entre les métiers et les fournisseurs sur les plans organisationnels et techniques. MIC garantit l’évolution et la gestion de la cohérence de l’ensemble des règles et les spécifications des connaissances des domaines métiers dont la sémantique est multiple. MIC renforce également la cohérence du modèle et réduit les anomalies qui peuvent interférer pendant la phase dite IVVQ pour Intégration, Vérification, Validation, Qualification. Finalement, afin de structurer les processus de conception des modèles de simulation, le travail s’est inspiré des cadres de l’Architecture d’Entreprise en reflétant les exigences d’intégration et de standardisation du modèle opératoire de l’entreprise. Pour valider les concepts introduits dans le cadre de cette thèse, des études de cas tirés des domaines automobile et aérospatiale ont été réalisées. L'objectif de cette validation est d'observer l'amélioration significative du processus actuel en termes d'efficacité, de réduction de l'ambiguïté et des malentendus dans la modélisation et la simulation du système à concevoir. / Simulation models are widely used by industries as an aid for decision making to explore and optimize a broad range of complex industrial systems’ architectures. The increased complexity of industrial systems (cars, airplanes, etc.), ecological and economic concerns implies a need for exploring and analysing innovative system architectures efficiently and effectively by using simulation models. However, simulations designers currently suffer from limitations which make simulation models difficult to design and develop in a collaborative, multidisciplinary design environment. The multidisciplinary nature of simulation models requires a specific understanding of each phenomenon to simulate and a thorough description of the system architecture, its components and connections between components. To accomplish these objectives, the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Information Systems’ (IS) methodologies were used to support the simulation designer’s analysing capabilities in terms of methods, processes and design tool solutions. The objective of this thesis is twofold. The first concerns the development of a methodology and tools to build accurate simulation models. The second focuses on the introduction of an innovative approach to design, product and integrate the simulation models in a “plug and play" manner by ensuring the expected model fidelity. However, today, one of the major challenges in full-vehicle simulation model creation is to get domain level simulation models from different domain experts while detecting any potential inconsistency problem before the IVVQ (Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification) phase. In the current simulation model development process, most of the defects such as interface mismatch and interoperability problems are discovered late, during the IVVQ phase. This may create multiple wastes, including rework and, may-be the most harmful, incorrect simulation models, which are subsequently used as basis for design decisions. In order to address this problem, this work aims to reduce late inconsistency detection by ensuring early stage collaborations between the different suppliers and OEM. Thus, this work integrates first a Detailed Model Design Phase to the current model development process and, second, the roles have been re-organized and delegated between design actors. Finally an alternative architecture design tool is supported by an ontology-based DSL (Domain Specific Language) called Model Identity Card (MIC). The design tools and mentioned activities perspectives (e.g. decisions, views and viewpoints) are structured by inspiration from Enterprise Architecture Frameworks. To demonstrate the applicability of our proposed solution, engine-after treatment, hybrid parallel propulsion and electric transmission models are tested across automotive and aeronautic industries.

<p>Ceramics have been extensively used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy industries due to their unique combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. The objective of this thesis is to develop an extrusion based ceramic 3D printing process to digitally produce a casting mold. To achieve the objective, an in-house designed ceramic 3D printer was developed by converting a filament based plastic 3D printer. For mold making applications, zircon was selected because it is an ultra-high temperature ceramic with high toughness and good refractory properties. Additionally, alumina, bioglass, and zirconia slurries were formulated and used as the feedstock material for the ceramic 3D printer.</p> <p>The developed 3D printing system was used to demonstrate successful printing of special feature parts such as thin-walled high aspect ratio structures and biomimetically inspired complex structures. Also, proof of concept with regard to the application of 3D printing for producing zircon molds and casting of metal parts was also successfully demonstrated. </p> <p>To characterize the printed parts, microhardness test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted. The zircon samples showed an increase in hardness value with an initial increase in heat treatment temperature followed by a drop due to the development of porosity in the microstructure, caused by the decomposition of the binder. The peak hardness value for zircon was observed to be 101±10 HV0.2. Similarly, the microhardness values of the other 3D printed ceramic specimens were observed to increase from 37±3 to 112±5 HV0.2 for alumina, 23±5 to 35±1 HV0.2 for bioglass, and 22±5 to 31±3 HV0.2 for zirconia, before and after the heat-treatment process, respectively. </p> <p>Finally, a system model for the ceramic 3D printing system was developed through the application of the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach using the MagicGrid framework. Through the system engineering effort, a logical level solution architecture was modeled, which captured the different system requirements, the system behaviors, and the system functionalities. Also, a traceability matrix for the system from a very abstract logical level to the definition of physical requirements for the subsystems was demonstrated.</p>

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Mass customization, small lot sizes, reduced cost, high variability of product types and changing product portfolio are characteristics of modern manufacturing systems during life cycle. A direct consequence of these characteristics is a more complex system and supply chain. Product lifecycle management (PLM) and model based system engineering (MBSE) are tools which have been proposed and implemented to address different aspects of this complexity and resulting challenges. Our previous work has successfully implemented a MBSE model into a PLM platform. More specifically, Pattern based system engineering (S* pattern) models of systems are integrated with TEAMCENTER to link and interface system level with component level, and streamline the lifecycle across disciplines. The benefit of the implementation is two folded. On one side it helps system engineers using system engineering models enable a shift from learning how to model to implementing the model, which leads to more effective systems definition, design, integration and testing. On the other side the PLM platform provides a reliable database to store legacy data for future use also track changes during the entire process, including one of the most important tools that a systems engineer needs which is an automatic report generation tool. In the current work, we have configured a PLM platform (TEAMCENTER) to support automatic generation of reports and requirements tables using a generic Oil Filter system lifecycle. There are three tables that have been configured for automatic generation which are Feature definitions table, Detail Requirements table and Stakeholder Feature Attributes table. These tables where specifically chosen as they describe all the requirements of the system and cover all physical behaviours the oil filter system shall exhibit during its physical interactions with external systems. The requirement tables represent core content for a typical systems engineering report. With the help of the automatic report generation tool, it is possible to prepare the entire report within one single system, the PLM system, to ensure a single reliable data source for an organization. Automatic generation of these contents can save the systems engineers time, avoid duplicated work and human errors in report preparation, train future generation of workforce in the lifecycle all the while encouraging standardized documents in an organization.

System design is an inherently expensive and time consuming process. Engineers are constantly tasked to investigate new solutions for various programs. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is an up and coming successful method used to reduce the time spent during the design process. By utilizing simulations, model-based systems engineering can verify high-level system requirements quickly and at low cost early in the design process. The Horizon Simulation Framework, or HSF, provides the capability of simulating a system and verifying the system performance. This paper outlines an improvement to the Horizon Simulation Framework by providing information to the user regarding schedule failures due to subsystem failures and constraint violations. Using the C# language, constraint violation rates and subsystem failure rates are organized by magnitude and written to .csv files. Also, proper subsystem failure and constraint violation checking orders were stored for HSF to use as new evaluation sequences. The functionalities of the systemEval framework were verified by five test cases. The output information can be used for the user to improve their system and possibly reduce the total run-time of the Horizon Simulation Framework.

Yes / The process of generating FMEA following document-centric approach is tedious and susceptible to human error. This paper presents preliminary methodology for robotic manufacturing process modelling in MBSE environment with a scope of automating multiple steps of the modelling process using ontology. This is followed by the reasoning towards automatic generation of process FMEA from the MBSE model. The proposed methodology allows to establish robust and self-synchronising links between process-relevant information, reduce the likelihood of human error, and scale down time expenses.