Sub-models within models using SysML

[sabrin]

I am very new to SysML and am struggling through the terminology and specification. One thing I'm having trouble seeing is how to create sub-models (and sub-sub-models) within models, and then connect all of these up to a single model.

For example, if I am using SysML to document the many models in a simulation for a car driving through a city I would want to include the following models in the hierarchy shown:

0 Simulation Model
   +Vehicle Model
      -Battery model
      -Equations of Motion model
      -Aerodynamics model...etc
   +Graphics Model
      -Car
      -Terrain
      -Sky...etc
   +Environment Model
       -Terrain model
       -Other objects model...etc

Does anyone have advice on which types of SysML tools to use for the different levels?

[Dave.B]

My understanding of SysML is that you need to think in terms of aggregations on Block Definition Diagrams. So in your case a Simulation Vehicle is the aggregate of a Vehicle Model + Graphics Model + Environment Model.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that an Internal Block Definition diagram is a sub-model because it isn't. An IBD allows you to express an exact relationship between a set of aggregates.

You can create the illusion of hierarchical models by using multiple diagrams and simply controlling which part of the model you show on each one.

Hope this helps
Dave B.