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The development of next-generation ground vehicle systems relies on modeling and simulation to predict vehicle performance and conduct trade studies in the design and acquisition process. In this paper, we describe the development of an ontology suite to support modeling and simulation of next generation military ground vehicles. The ontology suite is intended to address model reuse challenges and increase the shared understanding of ground vehicle system simulations. The ontology suite consists of four domain ontologies: Vehicle operations (VehOps), Operational environment (Env), Ground vehicle architecture (VehArch), and Simulation model ontology (SimMod) and one integration ontology. The separate domain ontologies allow for extensibility, while the integration ontology establishes semantic relationships across the domains ontologies.

In this paper, we review the literature related to the reuse of computer-based simulation models in the context of systems design. Models are used to capture aspects of existing or envisioned systems and are simulated to predict the behavior of these systems. However, developing such models from scratch requires significant time and effort. Researchers have recognized that the time and effort can be reduced if existing models or model components are reused, leading to the study of model reusability. In this paper, we review the tasks necessary to retrieve and reuse model components from repositories, and to prepare new models and model components such that they are more amenable for future reuse. Model reuse can be significantly enhanced by carefully characterizing the model, and capturing its meaning and intent so that potential users can determine whether the model meets their needs.

A new approach to lightweight engineering of vehicles focuses on identifying and eliminating Lazy Parts through the application of the Lazy Parts Indication Method (LPIM). In this context, Lazy Parts are defined as components that have the potential for mass reduction for a number of reasons discussed in previous literature. The focus of this research is to apply the LPIM to an automotive component, identify potential mass savings, and redesign the component to address the laziness and begin to validate the LPIM as well at the estimated mass savings. A generator mounting bracket for a vehicle is analyzed using the LPIM and redesigned. The application of the LPIM to the generator mounting bracket predicted an estimated mass savings of 10% (0.32kg), while the actual redesign of the bracket revealed a 12% (0.38kg) mass savings.