Integrating MBSE and MDO through an Extended Requirements-Functional-Logical-Physical (RFLP) Framework

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-3908.vid The design of mechanical systems is a complex process that is often associated with significant time and budget overruns. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has emerged as a way to mitigate these issues. However, MBSE alone lacks the ability to simulate, analyze and design mechanical systems. Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) treats the parameters of the mechanical system as design variables and uses numerical optimization methods to find the parameters that optimize performance metrics while meeting constraints. However, it lacks the systematic traceability that MBSE offers. This paper proposes a methodology that builds on the Requirements Engineering, Functional Design, Logical Design, and Physical Design (RFLP) approach to integrate MBSE and MDO and overcome each other's limitations. The recently proposed Process RFLP is used to aid in the development, enumeration, and selection of design activities involving simulation and MDO. Guidelines for the implementation of RFLP are formulated and presented. The approach is demonstrated through a test case involving the design of a single-aisle transport category aircraft. Compliance with aircraft requirements is verified, and a change in requirements case is presented. The long-term goal is to automate the methodology to enable MBSE to drive the formulation and execution of MDO.