Abstract

Analytical modeling and simulation of systems are traditionally done at the component or module levels and usually involve complex 3-D simulations. These types of simulations take a long time to solve but give detailed design direction. In addition, these types of simulations are typically conducted after the project gets into the development life cycle phase. Within a Systems Engineering strategy, modeling and simulation of systems are starting to be done at the product level and usually involve simplified 0-D or 1-D models. These types of simulations run very fast but only give general design direction. In addition, these types of simulations are typically needed during the planning or conceptual phase of the project’s life cycle. If we were to couple the 0-D, 1-D and 3-D models in such a way that they would give consistent output, then the knowledge gained during the 3-D simulations would be captured within the 0-D or 1-D models. Coupling these models also becomes a key enabler for robust execution of the Systems Engineering technical processes. Imagine providing the initial verification for a set of requirements at each subsystem and component earlier than ever done before. An additional benefit to implementing this model coupling strategy over the entire design process is that this “family of models” becomes the company’s Intellectual Capital. The success of this model coupling strategy is predicated on the fact that products are being improved through next-generation development. For example, a project to develop a new truck is using previous models of that truck as the knowledge foundation. In this presentation, I will outline the benefits of incorporating such a multi-fidelity strategy for your company. I will describe what I mean by multi-fidelity, how analytical modeling connects with Model-based Systems Engineering, and how this family of models are used and updated throughout the design process. I will do this through an example of what this would look like within product development using a fictitious company that supplies suspension systems to various industries.