Model Integration Approach from SysML to MATLAB/Simulink

Abstract

In system engineering process, descriptive system models seem to be insufficient in order to perform a system verification which fulfils various stakeholders’ requirements. This aspect is well handled by simulation process through the use of several simulation techniques or algorithms. As a consequence, design process efficiency is considerably reduced by the fact that both system modeling and simulation tools are often used separately. This study introduces an integration process to unify the potential provided by systems modeling languages and simulation environments, through the definition of a Domain Specific Language, namely Simulation Modeling Language, that is built on the basis ofa deep study of common constructs, semantics and modeling methodologies of several simulation environments, in addition to the specification of a model transformation between this language and a simulation environment (MATLAB/SImulink) in order to illustrate both its importance et its efficiency in our integration approach. Through the specification of its syntaxes and semantics, the defined intermediate modeling language allows modeling systems by using common constructs and modeling methodologies of simulation process in order to ensure their modeling with simulation environments and, thus, con duct experiences and system verifications. The definition of this language constitutes the basis of our integration approach aiming to bridge the gap between system modeling and simulation aspects in order to benefit from the strengths and potentials of both approaches. The integration approach consists on the specification of a bidirectional transformation, based on the concepts of ModelDriven Engineering, to perform in future works. Subject Categories and Descriptors I.6 [Simulation and Modeling] I.6.5 [Model Development]; Modeling methodologies ; F.3.2 [Semantics of Programming Languages] General Terms: Modeling language, Simulation, System Engineering, Model Driven Engineering