Overview: In a digital engineering environment, development of Synthetic Test & Evaluation (ST&E) applications in Systems Engineering (SE) offers value in overcoming physical testing constraints. There is a need to define a process to validate the robustness of an SE model. Synthetic validation of models early in the SE lifecycle is more cost-effective and efficient than physical testing. We interfaced Cameo with Ansys STK to enable UAV power consumption modelling to predict system performance, demonstrating how ST&E can complement traditional testing, addressing real-world constraints and enhancing efficiency.
Context: The operational configurability of Commercial/Military off-the-shelf platforms present significant challenges to conventional Test and Evaluation (T&E) methods, which are costly, time-consuming, and logistically demanding. Digital model-centric testing will enable earlier identification of design shortfalls, allowing broader design space exploration and higher confidence in designs being approved for manufacture.
Purpose: We hypothesised that using Behaviour Execution Engine (BEE) and an MBSE model to drive behavioural decisions at runtime in STK, will enable informed parts optimisation, platform selection, and mission success evaluation in a digital environment, long before real-world testing is required.
Approach: The Cameo-BEE-STK digital tool integration was applied to small UAVs due to their availability and complex nature. We modelled the UAV in Cameo and STK. Physical testing was performed and flight log data was extracted from the UAV and used to develop a regression equation of power consumption as a function of velocity and mass which we incorporated into STK to determine the behaviour of the UAV model.
Insights: The benefits of ST&E extend beyond validation, with impacts across the system-lifecycle. By facilitating comprehensive analysis across the lifecycle, ST&E can enhance operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and resource optimisation. Its integration into the framework of SE augments traditional T&E and drives the advancement of the digital mission.