Architecture to Geometry - Integrating System Models with Mechanical Design

摘要

Model-Based Systems Engineering is founded on the principle of a unified system model that can coordinate architecture, mechanical, electrical, software, verification, and other discipline-specific models across the system lifecycle. This vision of a Total System Model as the digital blueprint (or digital twin) of a system, federating models in multiple vendor tools and configuration-controlled repositories, has gained tremendous support from the practitioners. A software platform, Syndeia, developed by Intercax, provides capabilities for seamless model-based communication between systems engineering and X (where X = mechanical/electrical, simulation, PLM, ALM, project management, and other disciplines), replacing the existing document-centric approaches. This paper elaborates research and development performed by NASA JPL and Intercax for integrating system architecture models (SysML) and mechanical design models (CAD) with applications to the Europa Clipper Mission. Specifically, this paper demonstrates (1) seeding of mechanical design models from system specifications (SysML) as a starting point for mechanical design, (2) model-based connections between system and mechanical design parameters, including compare and bi-directional synchronization, (3) abstracting system architecture from mechanical assemblies for transitioning existing/old projects to a model-based systems approach, and (4) use of persistent, fine-grained connections between system architecture and mechanical design models for continuous verification and communication between the two disciplines. The paper also covers organizational, cultural, and technical challenges that need to be addressed for seamless integration between system architecture models and mechanical/electrical design models, as well as other disciplines.