Artifact-Oriented Tailoring Approach for Model-Based Impact Analysis

The determination of engineering changes to a product requires the analysis of their impact from various engineering perspectives. The information required for such analysis are stored in separate application-oriented models, such as CAD models, FEM models or multi-body simulation models. For effective analysis, the models must be merged into one seamless system model. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) enables this by using system models tailored to the specific needs of the organization. Current tailoring approaches focus on adapting Systems Engineering (SE) at the process level rather than addressing the detailed engineering information required for effective impact analysis. In this paper an artifact-oriented tailoring approach based on a generic metamodel is developed. This approach supports Engineering Change (EC) impact analysis by systematically aligning the models. The tailoring approach was developed through an analysis of industry needs and a systematic literature review, which identified relevant tailoring approaches and success criteria. The most suitable approaches are evaluated in a comparison matrix, resulting in the development of the proposed artifact-oriented tailoring approach. The resulting approach is implemented in an industrial case example and validated by experts. The result is a tailoring approach that supports system architects in deriving system models for impact analysis based on an adapted metamodel.