Collaborative modeling for systems engineering requires a means to integrate, control and visualize the performance of systems on a continuing basis. InterCAX is developing software to manage the link between SysML authoring tools and a variety of mathematical solvers, like Mathematica®, Matlab/SimuLink®, even Microsoft Excel®. Based on Georgia Tech proprietary technology, these new tools will add “next-gen spreadsheet” capabilities to large engineering projects in the defense, aerospace, and automotive industries. The parameters embedded in each object diagram can be linked by multi-directional equations, constraints, or legacy models, allowing real-time verification of performance, cost, and other factors against systems requirements.

 This same technology can be applied to financial systems, web-based business process analysis, and defense programs.

ParaMagic™ - SysML Parametrics for MagicDraw

ParaMagic, from InterCAX, makes MagicDraw SysML models come alive!  Using the quantitative information and constraint relationships displayed in SysML diagrams, model-builders can run simulations from the earliest stages of system design. In traditional domains of system engineering like aerospace and transportation, users can explore system performance, estimate cost and allocate resources. Developers leveraging MagicDraw’s DoDAF and business modeling capabilities can add parametric simulation using SysML submodels for defense planning, business process analysis and computational finance. ParaMagic uses Mathematica™(Wolfram Research) as the mathematical solver for the parametric relationship.

Constraint Relationships

Mathematical relationships handled by Mathematica include basis arithmetic and exponentiation, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic expressions, and MINIMUM, MAXIMUM, SUM and AVERAGE functions.  Consult with InterCAX about implementation of other Mathematica capabilities. Because many equations can be solved non-causally, i.e. in any direction, ParaMagic-based models can be explored fully, with easy exchange of inputs and outputs. Mathematica can be installed on the local computer, or ParaMagic can support server-based licenses or web services.

SysML Parametrics

The SysML 1.0 specification supports properties, constraint blocks and parametric diagrams, but until ParaMagic, this information couldn’t be put to use beyond documentation. Collaborative modeling and simulation becomes easier with a visual representation of model structure and partitioning complex models into subsystems encourages object-oriented discipline in model design.  The MagicDraw TeamServer implementation lets specialists share the model while providing a governance mechanism in collaborative environments.

Examples of SysML Diagrams and Parametric Results

In a simple example, a satellite with four subsystems needs to meet weight and power budget requirements.  Constraint blocks, which may be re-used from previous projects, are added to the model and parametric diagrams provide the wiring between the component attributes, like propulsion system weight and the analysis equations, like WeightBalance.  The ParaMagic browser summarizes the model parameters, assigns them as givens or unknowns, and prepares the system of equations for export to the mathematical solver.  Results appear in the browser and can be uploaded into the SysML model

A beta version of ParaMagic is now available for download on the No Magic website for new and existing MagicDraw customers.  Watch this space for further announcements about this exciting new product or contact us directly at Info@InterCAX.com regarding beta test opportunities.