Possibilities and challenges of an integrated development using a combined SysML-model and corresponding domain specific models

The development of a production plant, with multiple involved disciplines, requires many different models such as simulation models for the physical domain or models of the control-software. As all these models represent parts of the same system, it is inefficient to develop every model from scratch. Rather an integrated model, which considers all relevant aspects, should be set up first and from this the required domain specific models should be generated through model transformations. For the integrated model, the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) poses a suitable possibility to integrate the views of the different disciplines. Based on a literature research, existing model transformations from the integrated model to specific models as well as necessary extensions are presented. In this way a framework for an integrated development, where the SysML-model forms the integrating core model of the system, while the simulation of the different parts is carried out in domain specific simulation tools, can be established. Core benefits of this method are the consistency of the models, and the fast and cost-efficient simulation and testing of the system at different points of the development cycle and with different levels of detail.