Model validation hierarchies for connecting system design to modeling and simulation capabilities

Hierarchical structures provide a means to systematically deconstruct an engineering system of arbitrary complexity into its subsystems, components, and physical processes. Model validation hierarchies can aid in understanding the coupling and interaction of subsystems and components, as well as improve the understanding of how simulation models are used to design and optimize the engineering system of interest. The upper tiers of the hierarchy address systems and subsystems architecture decompositions, while the lower tiers address physical processes that are both coupled and uncoupled. Recent work connects these two general sections of the hierarchy through a transition tier, which blends the focus of system functionality and physics modeling activities. This work also includes a general methodology for how a model validation hierarchy can be constructed for any type of engineering system in any operating environment, e.g., land, air, sea, or space. We review previous work on the construction and use of model validation hierarchies in not only the field of aerospace systems, but also from commercial nuclear power plant systems. Then an example of a detailed model validation hierarchy is constructed and discussed for a surface-to-air missile defense system with an emphasis on the missile subsystems.