MDO techniques integrated with system modeling framework: MBSE methodologies applied to space system design and analysis

This paper presents the results of a research study related to the integration of a Design Optimization Framework in a Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) environment. The main aim of this work concerns the feasibility of such connection in order to assess actual advantages and possible drawbacks. The objective is to show how the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) methods may be managed in the context of a MBSE environment with respect to the traditional design approach. Basically this analysis is addressed to the demonstration of the benefits of MBSE methodology in the field of aerospace engineering. The state of the art of the considered methodology is briefly introduced in the first part of the paper where also a survey on the role of MDO techniques is reported. The following part concerns the description of the modeling activities that have been used to define system characteristics. System data model is defined on the basis of MBSE paradigm and managed through a web application tool. In this section the focus is on the definition of conceptual relationships between the objects involved in the modeling activities. This part allows to assess how a web service can be used to support concurrent engineering activities. In the following part is described how a design optimization functionalities are integrated within the proposed framework to verify if possible advantages can be obtained. In particular the evaluation of framework benefits concerns mainly the management of system design variables and the possibility to trace their evolution throughout the design phase. A reference case referring is presented in the following section to show how the analyzed modeling tool can be used on a project development. The main aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of the considered approach for the management and support of engineering problems. Copyright (2013) by the International Astronautical Federation.