What is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?

What is Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?

Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a methodology that uses models to design and analyze complex systems. It involves creating a digital representation of a system, which can be used to simulate and test different scenarios before the system is built.

This approach allows engineers to identify potential issues early in the design process, saving time and resources. MBSE is becoming increasingly popular in the engineering world due to its ability to improve communication, collaboration, and efficiency in the design process.

Why Do We Need MBSE?

The main driving force is the growing complexity of products. To use a familiar product, a passenger car, as an example, there has been a tremendous development since I got my first car, back in the 80s, as shown on the picture below:

In the ‘70s and 80s, most cars had very few electric functions and simple cabling to support that. Software was not even on the agenda, apart from some early engine control systems.

During the ‘90s – 2000s, there was a very rapid growth of electronics in cars, with dozens of specialized controllers with embedded software, like ECUs, ABS-controllers, in-car entertainment, and various driver support systems. Consequently, harnesses grew complex, and ended up as one of the most expensive components of the car.

Today, the car is rapidly becoming a computer on wheels. Modern EVs are built around a powerful central computer with AI-capabilities to support autonomous driving and connectivity to the car manufacturer as well as to other cars.

The car has become a complex system of systems, where software development is becoming the most critical discipline to master to stay competitive. Similar development directions can be seen across a wide range of industries – and the need for new tools and methods is huge.

MBSE is the answer to many of the new challenges product developing companies are facing.

MBSE vs. Traditional Systems Engineering

Traditional systems engineering typically involves creating a series of documents that describe the system being designed, including requirements, specifications, and design documents.

These documents can be lengthy and complex, and can be difficult to keep up to date as the design evolves. MBSE, on the other hand, involves creating a digital model of the system using specialized software.

This model can be easily updated and modified as the design evolves and can be used to simulate different scenarios and test different design options. Additionally, the digital model can be used to improve collaboration and communication between different stakeholders, leading to better outcomes and fewer misunderstandings.

Moving from documents to models, made possible by system modeling tools like CATIA Magic, allows for a much tighter collaboration between the different stakeholders, and for fast iterations as requirements are changing. A system model is a live representation of a system or product, which allows for simulation of behaviors as well as full traceability from requirement to validated solution.

What Are the Benefits of MBSE?

In MBSE, system requirements, architecture, behavior, and other system aspects are captured using graphical models that represent different system views. These models can include block diagrams, state machines, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and more, depending on the system being developed.

Implemented properly, MBSE bridges the gap between the engineering disciplines, which leads to better performing products. Using a collaboration platform like 3DEXPERIENCE to manage the system model significantly improves collaboration and visibility, and it allows product developing companies to work model-based from cradle to cradle.

MBSE is a critical piece in the puzzle to realize the full potential of a Virtual Twin and beyond what can be achieved with Model-based design and engineering, which is already quite common in many companies.

MBSE ties all engineering disciplines together, to ensure that the requirements are properly transformed into solutions, which can be implemented within each engineering discipline, whether that is mechanical design, electrical engineering, or software development.

Implementing MBSE in Your Organization

If you’re interested in implementing MBSE in your organization, there are a few key steps you should take. First, you’ll need to select the right software tools for your needs. Next, you’ll need to train your team on how to use the software effectively. Finally, you’ll need to establish processes and procedures for using MBSE in your organization, including guidelines for how the digital model should be updated and maintained.

With the right tools, training, and processes in place, you can start reaping the benefits of MBSE in your engineering projects. To illustrate how MBSE works in practical terms, let’s look at an example from our customer, KONGSBERG Defense & Aerospace.

Every summer, a group of students is given the task of designing and developing an autonomous drone, called the «Local Hawk». While this is a relatively simple product, it still requires the collaboration of several engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, software and aerodynamics.

Traditionally, a substantial number of documents would have to be created to fully describe all aspects of such a product. Switching to a model-based way of working, the documentation effort is simplified.

When working model-based, the model, or rather models, are the main carriers of information. The mechanical design is captured as a 3D-model, the structural strength is verified using a finite element model, and the behavior of the system is described as a system model. The system model contains requirements, use cases, state diagrams, logical building blocks, test cases and more.

Tying all these elements together puts you in full control of all important aspects of a product, to predict much better how it will perform in real life.

After the product is put in operation, the system model provides full traceability to quickly find the root cause, in case of failure during operation. The combined model can be seen as a Virtual Twin of the drone, helping the engineering teams to simulate and analyze the consequences of design decisions at a very early stage.

In Our Experience…

Overall, MBSE promotes a holistic and collaborative approach to systems engineering, facilitating better communication, coordination, and understanding among multidisciplinary teams involved in the development of complex systems.

MBSE has proven to be a very efficient approach to rationalize complex systems development, by connecting all engineering disciplines and providing full traceability from requirement to solution

MBSE allows engineers to focus on improving the product, rather than writing documentation. Combining model-based design with MBSE leads to a much more efficient engineering process, with better performing products, and shorter development cycles as a result.