Towards Model-Based System Engineering for Simulation-Based Design in Product Data Management Systems

System integration and simulation are essential phases in design verification and optimization of system capabilities. Currently, different approaches in Systems Engineering (SE) are not entirely taking into account integration and simulation constraints thus complicating the process and enhancing its running time. The target of this paper is to propose a framework bridging the gap between Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) and current Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Simulation Lifecycle Management (SLM) functionalities. In this paper we address these gaps between MBSE design concepts and the current PLM capabilities and propose an innovative approach to manage architecture design for simulation. The proposed framework supports the definition of product architectures so as to organize and facilitate simulation and the specification of different types of interfaces enabling the organisation of several product behaviour simulations. An example of this framework based on an industrial case study for the structural analysis of an aero-engine is described and discussed addressing the limits and future developments.