Toward Demystifying the Missing Links in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Abstract

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) originated in aerospace engineering and has emerged as a promising approach in other fields for designing, analyzing, and managing complex interdisciplinary systems throughout their entire life cycle. While MBSE is applicable to various engineering domains, its applications remain closely tied to software engineering. As software becomes a critical component of physical systems, such as vehicles, appliances, and production plants, bridging the gap between software engineering and other disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, becomes essential. Despite its potential, MBSE is still in its early stages when it comes to integrating executable models of physical systems into engineering environments. The purpose of this research is to assess the present capabilities of MBSE by identifying existing missing links, thereby enabling prospective users to make well-informed decisions about its integration into organizational processes. In this analysis, it is important to have a comprehensive view of the complexity of MBSE across different disciplines to obtain an overall picture. In addition to identifying open challenges, we present three critical gaps in the MBSE practice through a comprehensive demonstration case: limited tool interoperability and model integration, modeling language limitations, and dependence on a specialized workforce. Current studies largely view MBSE as the most applicable and effective for the design phase of the system life cycle. Yet, to capture MBSE in its entirety, its principles must be applied throughout the whole system life cycle.