Volume 29, Issue 1 p. 203-217
Session 3 Track 1: System Modeling

The Digital Twin Throughout the SE Lifecycle

First published: 27 September 2019
Citations: 4

Abstract

A digital twin is much as it sounds: a digital representation of a specific asset in the field, including current and past configuration states, considering serialized parts, software versions, options, and variants. Condition data is also represented including sensor readings, alerts, and operating environments. A digital twin has significant implications for service, operations, analysis, design, etc. especially when visualized as a Computer Aided Design (CAD)-sourced graphic in 3D virtual or augmented reality. Using this immersive and real-time information, engineers can inspect and verify the asset being serviced, designed or operated to get precise product information. However, the digital twin does not spring into life fully formed straight from the CAD model. It requires an informed system engineering approach to ensure that the integration between physical and digital is fit for purpose. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models can be used in conjunction with the digital twin to improve operational models, predict and analyze faults, perform best-fit analysis and eliminate inappropriate system configurations, etc. This paper will look at various aspects of the digital twin and how it can be used in conjunction with MBSE.