Somma, Alessandra (2024) A Model-Driven Methodology for Architecting Digital Twins. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

Digital Twins (DTs) are dynamic virtual representations of physical assets or processes, characterized by seamless, bidirectional data flow between physical and digital spaces. This capability enables DTs to provide advanced services that extend beyond traditional simulations, encompassing real-time monitoring, control, and future states prediction. Despite the growing interest in DTs, significant challenges remain in formalizing a Software Architecture, which is essential for the structured design and development of these complex software systems. Many DT architectures rely on ad-hoc methods that deviate from established best practices, reducing DTs to basic simulation models and omitting essential DT features. Additionally, the absence of standardized software development methodologies, coupled with inconsistencies in systematically applying design approaches, has further hindered the broader adoption of this technology. To address the architecture design issue, this thesis conducts a Systematic Mapping Study to survey literature on DT architectures, identifying architectural elements and their relationships. These are consolidated in the proposed domain- and platform-independent Digital Twin Software Architecture (DTSA), designed and documented using the Views and Beyond methodology proposed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The DTSA completeness, utility, and usability are evaluated through a validation survey with industry and academic experts. To tackle the development methodology challenges, the thesis introduces a Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) methodology for Mobility Digital Twins. Based on the validated DTSA, this methodology leverages automated model-to-model transformations, enhancing reusability and flexibility. The applicability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study in the Italian city of Bologna. The resulting Bologna Mobility Digital Twin platform relies on FIWARE technology to ensure data interoperability and the Simulator of Urban Mobility (SUMO) for behavioral modeling and simulation.

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