X-SEM: A modeling and simulation-based system engineering methodology

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is an effective approach that facilitates complex systems’ collaborative research and development. The prevalent MBSE methodologies rely heavily on the System Modeling Language (SysML). However, SysML, characterized as a semi-formal language, presents challenges in facilitating the modeling and simulation of the physical characteristics of complex systems. Consequently, current MBSE methodologies encounter difficulties in integrating the modeling and simulation of complex systems’ logical architecture and physical characteristics, limiting the effective application of MBSE in the early stages of system design. This paper proposes a modeling and simulation-based system engineering methodology (X-SEM) to address this limitation. Leveraging the X language, X-SEM establishes an integrated system development process for complex systems, enabling comprehensive modeling and simulation of systems requirements, functions, logical architecture, and physical characteristics across four perspectives and three domains of system development. Additionally, X-SEM, a methodology integrating system design and system simulation, ensures the integration of critical physical characteristics based on established logical architecture, allowing for timely error correction and collaborative verification of functional and non-functional requirements, as well as system optimization in the early stages of system design. Finally, this paper showcases the design process for a straight-line driving scenario of the electric vehicle based on X-SEM, thereby exemplifying the effectiveness and potential of the proposed methodology.