Methodologies and patterns for model centric systems engineering

Abstract

This research aims to improve the development and analysis of architecture models using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) Profile-based Integrated Architecture (UPIA)-inspired Generic Model guidance published by the Architecture Modeling for Systems Engineering Working Group (AMSEWG).To test its tool-neutrality, the Generic Model language is modeled in several other tools. This language was successfully reproduced in Alloy, a formal language, and in Innoslate, a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tool. The results of this research include new patterns, templates and style guidance for architecture-level model views, which can be used to inform the continued evolution of modeling guidance. We provide graphical templates for structuring executable behavior models, and discuss the benefits and limitations of these templates. The results also found that Monterey Phoenix (MP) tools MP-Firebird and MP-Python are capable of representing aspects of the Generic Model language that pertain to behavior. The graphical templates and MP modeling in this research lay the groundwork for follow-on work to automate the translation of graphical behavior models into MP to leverage its scope-complete scenario generation, emergent behavior identification, verification, and validation capabilities.