Validation of Digital System Models: A Framework and SysML Profile for Model‐Based Systems Engineering

Abstract Digital Engineering (DE) and Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) are transforming existing acquisition processes. Little extant research exists regarding validation of digital system models. In the traditional “design‐build‐test” method, stakeholder requirements validation occurs near the end of development. However, DE is described as a “model‐analyze‐build” approach where validation is required earlier in the lifecycle to refine and add digital elements to the authoritative source of truth. This paper describes a framework for model‐based design reviews (MBDR) and extends previous work by Hecht and Chen. Validation use case development is emphasized to capture both the intent, the “why,” and the evidence, the “what,” required to enter or exit a preliminary design review (PDR). Model requirements are derived from model use cases, and validation test cases enable automated and manual assessment of quality, completeness, and consistency. The framework is successfully prototyped on a small unmanned airborne system (sUAS) model created for a graduate course PDR. There appears to be wide interest across the U.S. Air Force for a similar framework.