Leveraging Digital Twin Technology in Model-Based Systems Engineering

TLDR

Digital twin, introduced in 2002, is a dynamic digital representation of a physical system that is continuously updated with performance, maintenance, and health data, and is increasingly relevant to model‑based systems engineering. This paper outlines a vision and rationale for incorporating digital twin technology into MBSE. The authors discuss how integrating digital twins with system simulation and IoT supports MBSE, citing specific industry examples of its benefits. They conclude by recommending that digital twin technology become an integral part of MBSE methodology and experimental testbeds.

Abstract

Digital twin, a concept introduced in 2002, is becoming increasingly relevant to systems engineering and, more specifically, to model-based system engineering (MBSE). A digital twin, like a virtual prototype, is a dynamic digital representation of a physical system. However, unlike a virtual prototype, a digital twin is a virtual instance of a physical system (twin) that is continually updated with the latter’s performance, maintenance, and health status data throughout the physical system’s life cycle. This paper presents an overall vision and rationale for incorporating digital twin technology into MBSE. The paper discusses the benefits of integrating digital twins with system simulation and Internet of Things (IoT) in support of MBSE and provides specific examples of the use and benefits of digital twin technology in different industries. It concludes with a recommendation to make digital twin technology an integral part of MBSE methodology and experimentation testbeds.