journal article·2021-02-23Open access

Category-Theoretic Formulation of the Model-Based Systems Architecting Cognitive-Computational Cycle

Yaniv Mordecai, James P. Fairbanks, Edward F. Crawley

Applied Sciences· Volume 11· Issue 4

Abstract

We introduce the Concept→Model→Graph→View Cycle (CMGVC). The CMGVC facilitates coherent architecture analysis, reasoning, insight, and decision making based on conceptual models that are transformed into a generic, robust graph data structure (GDS). The GDS is then transformed into multiple views of the model, which inform stakeholders in various ways. This GDS-based approach decouples the view from the model and constitutes a powerful enhancement of model-based systems engineering (MBSE). The CMGVC applies the rigorous foundations of Category Theory, a mathematical framework of representations and transformations. We show that modeling languages are categories, drawing an analogy to programming languages. The CMGVC architecture is superior to direct transformations and language-coupled common representations. We demonstrate the CMGVC to transform a conceptual system architecture model built with the Object Process Modeling Language (OPM) into dual graphs and a stakeholder-informing matrix that stimulates system architecture insight.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Systems Engineering Methodologies and Applications · Product Development and Customization · Software Engineering Techniques and Practices

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Engineering Systems Laboratory, Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Department of Computer & Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

Funding

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency · Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

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