Improving simulation specification with MBSE for better simulation validation and reuse. Issue 6 (6th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sohier, Henri; Lamothe, Pascal; Guermazi, Sahar; Yagoubi, Mouadh; Menegazzi, Pascal; Maddaloni, Aldo
• Is Part Of: Systems engineering. Volume 24:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 425
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2021-08-06
• Subjects: autonomous car -- MBSE -- requirements -- reuse -- simulation -- verification -- validation; Systems engineering -- Periodicals; 620.0011
• DOI: 10.1002/sys.21594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-1241

Abstract

Abstract: A simulation can be a complex architecture of simulation models, simulation tools, and computing hardware. However, its development often relies on informal procedures and can begin without a clear, complete, and formal definition of the simulation needs. Simulation traceability is then compromised, which prevents from easily validating whether a simulation meets the needs, or understanding the purpose of a simulation model that can be reused. This paper proposes an approach to improve the definition of simulation needs using Model‐Based Systems Engineering. Based on the semi‐automatic processing of a system architecture, it presents a new method to formulate a so‐called "simulation request" which covers (1) the part of the system to be simulated; (2) the objective of the simulation; (3) the simulation quality, cost, and delivery; (4) the test scenarios; (5) the data for simulation calibration and validation; and (6) the verification and validation of the simulation. All the tooling required for the formulation of the simulation request were prototyped in a SysML editor, with machine learning capabilities for the choice of test scenarios. The method and tooling were tested for the case of an autonomous car passing under traffic lights.