Configuration Management for Model Based Systems Engineering — An Example from the Aerospace Industry

Abstract

Model-based systems engineering approach is increasingly used to manage the complexity of modern systems and to reduce costs of their development. In the aerospace industry, modelling and simulation is not only a cost-effective verification and validation strategy where test rigs and flight tests are far more expensive but also is increasingly used in the certification process. Nevertheless, as with any digital artefact, if the models aren't configured and traceability isn't assured, then the models are not of much use. Configuration management comes into play as a key discipline to enable the use and maintenance of the models. This paper explores the use of configuration management for modelling and simulation in an aerospace setting, with a specific example involving landing gear and its surrounding systems.