Overview
ISO/TR 24463:2021 - "Digital validation by effective use of simulation" is a technical report from ISO that examines the standardization requirements for digital validation technologies needed to improve design efficiency. The document focuses on the effective use of simulation data at the functional design stage for digitally integrated products (mechanical, electrical/electronic and software combined). It summarizes business drivers, major simulation challenges, and identifies technical capabilities and standardization needs to enable earlier, model‑based validation.
Key Topics
- Business case for early simulation: rationale for using computer simulation at the functional-design stage to narrow design options, evaluate feasibility, and reduce time and cost.
- Major challenges in simulation: integration across software, mechanical and electrical workstreams; cross-enterprise information exchange; iteration costs when late-stage issues are found.
- Digital validation technology: state of the art and gaps in technologies that support validation of complex cyber‑physical systems.
- 1D CAE and model-based development (MBD): use of multi‑domain 1D computer-aided engineering (combined with control models) for early system-level simulation.
- FMI / FMU and co‑simulation: topics on Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI), Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs), and co‑simulation across domains.
- Simulation time and fidelity: discussion of simulation time interval (Δt), reduced order models (ROM), and trade-offs between accuracy and speed.
- Interfaces across domains and tools:
- Interface between simulations in different technical domains.
- Interface between 1D CAE and 3D CAD/CAE (realising 3D models from 1D results and vice versa).
- OEM–supplier multi‑enterprise modelling and result exchange.
- Data formats and exchange: machine‑readable vs human‑readable data requirements to support interoperability.
Applications and Who Should Use It
ISO/TR 24463:2021 is practical for:
- Design and CAE engineers seeking guidance on early-stage simulation workflows.
- Systems integrators and controls engineers implementing co‑simulation and FMU-based exchanges.
- OEMs and suppliers coordinating multi-enterprise modelling and validation.
- R&D managers and digitalization leads planning investments in simulation toolchains and digital validation processes.
- Standards developers assessing gaps for future standardization in digital validation and simulation interoperability.
Practical uses include accelerating functional design, reducing prototyping costs, improving cross‑discipline collaboration, and enabling reproducible simulation exchanges.
Related Standards
- Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) / FMU (referenced in the report)
- ISO/TC 184 Automation systems and integration, Subcommittee SC 4 (document origin)
- EN/NAS 9300 series and ISO 10303 series (referenced for design feedback and data exchange)
Keywords: digital validation, simulation, functional design, 1D CAE, co‑simulation, FMI, FMU, model‑based development, digitally integrated products.