Seamless Integration Process of Model-Based Approaches for Aircraft Design

Abstract

The aviation industry continually strives to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of aircraft. With an increasing focus on novel aircraft configurations to reduce the environmental impact of aviation, aircraft have become even more complex than before. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Model Based Safety Assessment (MBSA), and Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) have thereby gained popularity over the document-centric approach in the past decade. The common integration strategy – extending the model within a single MBSE framework – inherently reduces the use of unique capabilities of specialized MBSA and MDAO platforms. This position paper proposes an alternative methodology utilizing model transformation techniques to develop a robust link between these domains. This is achieved via a custom script extracting and transforming relevant information from an MBSE model file into file formats required by MBSA/MDAO tools. The primary contribution is maintaining consistency through a novel iterative design process formalizing the model transformation. This approach ensures the preservation of extensive capabilities offered by each domain-specific tool. Formalism is supported by implementing QVTo mapping rules and strengthening the verification with OCL constraints and Python codes developed to ensure that bidirectional transformations occur without information loss or distortion. This systematic integration streamlines the design process by enabling parallel safety assessment from an early design phase and facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the design space, thereby fostering informed decision-making. The technical feasibility of this methodology is demonstrated through its application on a UAVcase study, establishing a foundation for future development and real aerospace applications.