Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has been increasingly embraced by both industry and government as a means to keep track of system complexity. It allows the engineer to represent the system in a comprehensive computer model allowing for better traceability, tracking, and information consistency. The vision and promise of MBSE is one where systems models and analyses are tightly integrated in an automated, collaborative, easily accessible and secure framework. However, the current state-of-the-art falls short of this promise due to a significant gap between MBSE tools and its integration with analysis tools. Phoenix Integration proposes to develop and prototype a framework that would help realize the vision and promise of MBSE. This prototype framework will be web-based, utilizing existing tools and frameworks already deployed and being used at NASA. This will be done by leveraging available existing technology as well as commercial products currently under development. At the center of the framework is the connection between No Magic Teamwork Server and ModelCenter® MBSE. Teamwork Server is a web-based MBSE collaboration platform, while ModelCenter® MBSE is a next generation MBSE analysis integration tool currently being commercially developed at Phoenix Integration. This framework will be connected to distributed or high performance computing resources for quick analysis execution, as well as a continuous integration server for automated execution in response to a model change. In addition to being able to interact with the systems model through a web environment, the user would be able to execute the associated analyses and workflows using information from the systems model. Automatic requirements verification can be performed through automated analysis execution whenever a change in the systems model is detected. Results can be displayed on a web-enabled dashboard, together with interactive charts and plots to help visualize results and data. Potential NASA Applications These capabilities will directly benefit ongoing and future NASA projects and initiatives, such as Mars 2020 and Europa Clipper missions, the Team X and related collaborative design teams, as well as all future science missions. NASA would be able to leverage this technology on any project that involves a significant level of technical and programmatic complexity. This includes most of NASA's Space Exploration and Air Vehicle initiatives at NASA Research Centers such as Langley and Goddard. Potential Non-NASA Applications This technology will benefit all programs adopting Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including those at the Department of Defense as they design the next generation air, land and sea-based systems. Commercial organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing will also benefit as they implement MBSE activities in their own organizations. Other industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical and manufacturing could take advantage of the innovative technology developed here.
