Advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the Development of Systems Architecture

Abstract

Technological advancements are increasing system complexities, posing challenges for modern warship design. Early-Stage Ship Design (ESSD) is a vital stage, involving critical decision-making with limited information. The early-stage design of warships entails intricate decision-making considering temporal influences, interdependencies, external factors, trade-offs, high costs, evolving requirements, and other challenges. Developing well-defined system architectures is essential for managing these complexities. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is pivotal for overcoming precision issues, inconsistencies, and difficulties in maintaining and reusing information associated with conventional document-centric approaches in systems engineering (SE).
Despite the growing popularity of MBSE, the maritime industry continues to rely on traditional document-centric approaches, lagging behind other sectors in adopting MBSE. These challenges stem from a lack of empirical evidence demonstrating MBSE's full benefits and confusion regarding its implementation practices. Moreover, there is a lack of comparative studies that assess how well MBSE tools are tailored for naval warship design. Thus, this research explores the value of MBSE in the early design stage of naval vessels. Specifically, the research aims to validate and demonstrate MBSE's benefits in developing systems architecture for warships, focusing on operational, functional, logical, and physical perspectives within the context of ESSD. By analyzing industry approaches and utilizing two representative modeling tools, this thesis provides practical insights, clarifies MBSE practices, and promotes its effective implementation in future naval design projects.
A structured research process is formulated to achieve the thesis objective. It begins by defining the mission, capabilities, and requirements. For illustration purposes, a hypothetical Landing Platform Dock vessel mission is chosen, necessitating the creation of fictitious capabilities and requirements. MBSE tools Capella and CDP4-COMET are then selected for this analysis. Next, a metamodel is established for a unified understanding among stakeholders, guiding decision-making throughout the design process. Once the baseline models are constructed, the validation and verification capabilities of the tools are evaluated. The baseline models are modified to simulate the dynamic nature of warship design. Finally, the tools are systematically assessed based on selected key MBSE factors: consistency, traceability, flexibility, and trade-offs.
Transitioning to conclusions, the analysis reveals that both tools effectively validate anticipated benefits. By synthesizing the knowledge gained, it is concluded that MBSE can enhance and accelerate the design process during the early design phase of warships. Capella demonstrates superior performance in the early design stages, whereas CDP4-COMET excels in the latter design stages. This emphasizes the critical role of integrating MBSE tools to enhance design outcomes, leveraging their strengths across diverse phases effectively. Thus, integrating MBSE tools and establishing a unified source of truth is one crucial aspect of advancing MBSE in ship design. Further recommendations are detailed in the thesis.