An approach for managing semantic heterogeneity in Systems of Systems Engineering

Semantic heterogeneity is a significant challenge to integration in Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) due the large variety of languages, domains and tools which are used in their construction. In this paper we envision a strategy for managing this heterogeneity by decomposing domain specific languages into their “building block” theories which can be independently analysed, and used as a basis for linking with similar notations. This provides a systematic approach to building a tool-chain which integrates the different theories, methods and tools used in SoSE. Our approach has been piloted on the development of theories enabling machine-supported analysis of SysML models of SoSs. We conclude that the approach has further potential and identify lines of future research, notably in techniques for handling mixed discrete and continuous behaviour, timebands, mobility and model integration in SoSE.