Port-based systems engineering of block models for control and simulation of Neutron Beam Instruments of the OPAL research reactor using UML/SysML

The OPAL research reactor serves as a neutron source for diverse Neutron Beam Instruments
(NBIs) undergoing commissioning throughout 2007 by The Bragg Institute of the Australian Nuclear Science
and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) [1]. Port-based Systems Engineering (PBSE) using UML2.1.1[2] -
and more recently SysML [3] with explicit physical flowport support - has been employed to support Model-
Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) of NBIs, including reverse- and forward-engineering of Java
components, and development of XML schemas for NBI hardware components and sensor-actuator device
networks. Electronic systems, neutron flows, and vacuum systems are modelled as UML2 ports with custom
notation and SysML flowports. The NBI models thus engineered are incorporated into a ModelServer system
(implemented in Java+XML), which acts as a distributed, multi-client, control system façade that integrates
low-level, logical device interactions (via a real or simulated control system) into high-level, physical
instrument block models that support recursive control [4] and derived, controllable, physical system values.