The W-Model - Using Systems Engineering for Adaptronics

Active systems are characterized by a steadily increasing degree of structural integration of electronic components into mechanical structures. To enable a systematic development process supporting continuous improvement the so-called W-model as a new process model for the development of active system is proposed. The W-model takes into account the mutual crossdomain dependencies in adaptronic development. Following the principles of systems engineering, a system model based on the requirements is defined in the early phases of product development. The system model contains requirements, functions, components and the corresponding properties and parameters as well as their interdependencies. The resulting dependency-network is used during the discipline-specific detailed development for a control of the development process. Therefore integrated system simulations can be derived from the system model in which discipline-specific solutions are integrated and evaluated. Through interdisciplinary virtual validation and verification of partial and cross-disciplinary results during the development process, errors and inconsistencies are identified and can be corrected directly. Due to the continuous use of the system model in all development phases knowledge about dependencies between system elements, can be transferred into all disciplines.