Development and Demonstration of a Capabilities Focused Model Based Systems Engineering Framework

Abstract

This research develops a Capabilities Focused Model-Based Systems Engineering (CF-MBSE) Framework that demonstrates the relationship between MBSE architectural representations and operational modeling approaches. The role of MBSE products and operational models are discussed with respect to the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF). This research develops a tailored systems engineering process, leveraging recent trends in MBSE, that results in early identification of desirable system capabilities. This process is flexible for systems of varied size, resulting in applicability to broad, fleet level issues, as well as investigation of design considerations for new DOD platforms. Department of Defense acquisition relies heavily on systems engineering, with recent efforts emphasizing the role of MBSE to support system definition, analysis, and development. Recent work in MBSE has focused largely on development of SysML, in particular its role in executable systems architectures. While this formalization has proved valuable, an unintended consequence has been a disconnect between recent investments in MBSE capability and the systems engineering processes utilized in support of DOD acquisition programs, to include the DoDAF. This research presents a CF-MBSE Framework that formalizes an approach for utilization of MBSE in support of system operational capability assessment within system acquisition. This framework integrates multiple MBSE domains (to include Requirements Definition, Architecture Development, and System Modeling) and highlights the potential impact that MBSE can have in support of DoD system acquisition. This serves two purposes. First, for the DOD, the gaps between the current efforts in MBSE and DOD acquisition can be reviewed and assessed. Second, for the broader community, a process is defined and demonstrated that integrates the products currently produced in a typical MBSE effort into a formal, capabilities focused approach. To highlight the applicability of the approach, the CF-MBSE Framework is applied to an analysis of the next generation NATO main battle tank. That demonstration results in the following: identification of initial system requirements, development of a comprehensive system architecture that describes both the anticipated operational employment and system functionality, development of an operational simulation that facilitates analysis of the system in a representative environment, and analysis of simulation results that identifies key system design characteristics and environmental conditions. Because the operational model and associated analysis are linked directly back to the previously developed system architectures (that present both an operational and system design perspective) those results are explicitly linked to SysML/DoDAF products and system design characteristics.