Model Based Design (MBD) and Hardware In the Loop (HIL) Validation: Curriculum Development

Model Based Design (MBD) and systems engineering topics have been separately included in the engineering undergraduate curriculum for many years. Dynamical systems, modeling, optimization, and control, and statistical methods for Validation and Verification (V&V) are typically separate courses, but when it comes to industrial applications, all of these topics need to be considered together using systems engineering principles. Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) is a commonly followed practice for V&V, but it was not a part of engineering curriculum at the Ohio State University (OSU). In order to better prepare future engineers for industry requirements, it is necessary to bridge the gaps between the knowledge students gain in different courses. Hence, a pilot course was developed and taught at The OSU, which includes MBD and V&V from a systems engineering perspective. A laboratory project and assignments were designed which used virtual HIL allowing the students hands on experience. The small size pilot class allowed each student access to the virtual HIL setup.