Potentials for Realising a Consistent Transition Between Function Modelling with the IFM Framework and Early System Simulation

Conceptual design is considered one of the most demanding design tasks requiring a joint effort of the involved designers, particularly in interdisciplinary design. Sound decision-making across disciplines on alternative solution concepts may be considerably facilitated through early system simulation. A consistent transition of the available information in function modelling to early system simulation may thus support designers in this task. The IFM framework intends to support cross-disciplinary collaboration of involved designers by providing an integrated function modelling approach. In the paper it is analysed in how far a consistent transition from the IFM framework to established modelling techniques for simulation may be realised. The paper compares the information required for early system simulation in an interdisciplinary design context to the specific information conveyed in the different views of the IFM framework. The analysis identifies specific potentials and barriers for a consistent transition between them. Finally, the implications of the derived insights are discussed.