Integrating Digital Engineering Needs into Physics‐Based Modeling and Simulation for Aircraft Power and Thermal Systems

As organizations look towards their digital engineering future, many different strategies exist to realize new and more effective model‐based capabilities and digital ecosystem enablers. Of interest in this paper is understanding and meeting the digital engineering needs for physics‐based modeling and simulation (M&S) within a larger enterprise specializing in the research and development activities of aircraft power and thermal (PT) systems. First, the organizational context and key stakeholder considerations are described in order to understand how the digital engineering ecosystem is developed. Then, the INCOSE Model‐Based Capabilities Matrix (MBCM) is utilized to provide a self‐assessment of the state of the model‐based digital transformation effort and provides context for further advancement of the digital engineering strategy. Many of the assessed MBCs started at low stage numbers (0 or 1) and rose significantly, especially in the areas of Model Tool Access, Model Based Tool Licensing and Access, Model Configuration Management, and Modeling Roles and Responsibilities. Two other MBCs (Simulation Capability and Model Libraries) were assessed at an already advanced stage for this M&S team, and a key emphasis was to ensure no regression on these MBCs. Expected outcomes include better collaboration with other disciplines regarding aircraft power and thermal concerns and modeling and design capabilities, as well as the ability to explore and respond to a broader range of potential aircraft technologies and solutions faster.