Automating Verification and Validation Processes Through Model Based Systems Engineering

本研究旨在为基于模型的系统工程(MBSE)驱动的定性和定量系统验证开发一种系统方法论。MBSE是指通过利用以OMG SysML等语言描述的系统模型来支持需求工程、系统设计、分析、验证和确认的正式方法。SysML是一种系统建模语言，可用于开发系统体系结构，使系统体系结构模型(SAM)的大部分参数和行为规范可模拟和可执行。这允许执行贸易研究、基于模型的测试和模型检查、自动生成系统接口、测试用例和对系统验证和确认很重要的其他构件。Madni和Siever，2018年强调了MBSE在减少开发时间和错误率方面的作用，通过在早期开发阶段消除设计缺陷和评估设计和实现的适宜性，以及系统是否可以满足Bbone等人2020年讨论的需求和要求。因此，基于模型的验证和确认(V&V)可以缓解更传统的基于文档的系统工程过程的几个缺点。开展这一研究项目的目标是：1.回顾当前在不同行业以及AVL使用的最先进的MBSE和V&V实践，以了解整个行业(汽车)和AVL的具体要求2。为产品描述驱动的系统模型质量评估开发系统方法，以了解模型的成熟度、完整性和正确性，并确定可用于验证和确认活动的人工制品3.开发基于模型的测试的系统方法，包括基于模型描述和质量网关的测试用例生成、导出和执行4.评估人在开发的自动化V&V过程中的角色，以抽象复杂性并提高最终用户的工作流效率5.确定OBJ开发的新方法的系统和过程边界。2-Obj.4.为了在本组织提出在现有工具链基础设施内整合新方法的部署战略，越来越多地采用数字建模环境，导致越来越多地采用MBSE作为管理网络物理系统的系统复杂性的手段。然而，它承诺的好处主要是在学术和研究环境中探索的，由于其严谨和劳动密集型的性质，其在现实世界中的应用仍然落后。因此，该项目的潜在影响和应用被确定如下：在工业和真实世界环境的限制内利用MBSE方法的好处提供关于完整性、正确性和成熟度的系统的模型评估方法通过MBSE进行前沿的V&V活动以消除开发早期阶段的问题提供关于管理网络物理系统的开发和验证的复杂性和可追溯性的指导方针从而缩短上市时间本研究与UKRI EPSRC的制造未来和工程主题相关，因为它侧重于应用MBSE来增强V&V活动，潜在地导致产品质量的提高、开发成本的降低和产品生命周期评估的可追溯性增强。

This research aims to develop a systematic methodology for Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) driven qualitative and quantitative system verification. MBSE refers to formalised methodology for supporting requirement engineering, system design, analysis and verification and validation through leveraging system models described in languages such as the OMG SysML. SysML is one of system modelling languages that can be used to develop a system architecture making majority of parametric and behavioural specifications of a System Architecture Model (SAM) simulatable and executable. This allows for carrying out trade studies, model-based testing and model checking, automated generation of system interfaces, test cases and other artifacts important for the system verification and validation. Madni and Sievers, 2018 highlight the role of MBSE in reducing the development time and error rates through eliminating design flaws and evaluating design and implementation suitability at early development stages and whether the system can meet stakeholder needs and requirements as discussed by Bachelor et al 2020. Model-based Verification and Validation (V&V) can therefore mitigate several shortcomings of a more traditional document-based systems engineering process. The objectives to deliver this research project are: 1. To review current state-of-the-art MBSE and V&V practices used across different industries as well as at AVL to understand both industry (automotive) wide and AVL's specific requirements2. To develop a systematic approach for a product-description driven system model quality assessment to understand the model's maturity, completeness, and correctness and to identify available artefacts for verification and validation activities 3. To develop a systematic approach for model-based testing including test case generation, export and execution based on the model description and quality gateways 4. To assess the role of a human in the developed automated V&V process to abstract complexity and increase workflow efficiency for end users 5. To identify system and process boundaries of the new methodology developed in obj. 2 - obj. 4 to propose deployment strategy in the organisation for integration of the new methodology within existing toolchain infrastructure The increased adoption of digital-modelling environments has resulted in the increase of adoption of MBSE as means of managing the system complexity of cyber-physical systems. Its promised benefits have however been predominantly explored in academic and research environments and its real-world application is still behind due to its rigorous and labour-intensive nature. The project's potential impacts and applications are therefore identified as follows: Exploit the benefits of an MBSE approach within the constraints of an industrial, real-world environment Provide systematic model assessment approach with respect to completeness, correctness and maturityFrontload V&V activities through MBSE to eliminate issues in early stages of development Provide guideline on managing the complexity and traceability of the development and verification of cyber-physical systems thus improving time to marketThis research is relevant to the UKRI EPSRC's Manufacturing the Future and Engineering Themes as it focuses on applying MBSE to enhance V&V activities potentially resulting in increased product quality, reduced development costs and enhanced traceability for product lifecycle assessment.