Applying Blockchain Technology on Model-Based Systems Engineering

Abstract

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0093.vid A single Authoritative Source of Truth (AST) of digitalized models is core to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), which enhances better understanding of the design changes, communicates design intents, analyzes design impacts, and enables automation and optimization. Important technical challenges of supporting MBSE projects include possible consortia of large numbers of organization participants, complex governance, rigorous compliance requirements, nuanced privacy rules, performance requirements, and integration with existing Systems Engineering Environments that are hybrid, complex, legacy, and potentially siloed. The ability of Blockchain Technology (BCT) for managing immutable, distributed ledgers of versatile transactions using smart contracts incited tremendous interests and activities in recent years. Although BCT can provide the foundation of an effective AST solution, very little work has been done on applying BCT on MBSE. Based on a pilot blockchain prototyping experiment on an aerospace MBSE project using Hyperledger’s Fabric, this paper examines the opportunities and challenges of applying BCT on MBSE. It summarizes the design and implementation of a prototype for exploring the opportunities and partially addressing some challenges, and provides pointers for future directions for industry and researchers.