Utilizing system models for early prototype configurations in engineering complex technical systems
Early assurance of properties in complex technical systems can reduce engineering effort and even entire iterations. However, verification and validation face challenges caused by interdisciplinary dependencies and late availability of prototypes. Although Model-Based Systems Engineering offers formal system models for representing architectures, their potential for early test planning and prototype definition remains insufficiently used. This article presents a process chain for systematically extracting test-relevant system elements and parameters from system models to support V&V engineers in deriving suitable prototype configurations. Based on a systematic literature analysis, success criteria are defined and translated into a four-step approach: selecting the properties to be verified, automatically identifying relevant system elements, extracting test-relevant parameters, and generating prototype configurations. The process chain is tool-supported integrated. Relevant elements and parameters are exported from the system model using Node-RED flows, merged into a template structure, and visualized in a dashboard. The evaluation using a EU research project as well as a wind turbine case indicates potential for time savings, improved test coverage, enhanced traceability, and earlier detection of inconsistencies.