Formal Methods for Establishing Simulation Interoperability for Military Health System Applications.

Area of Science:

• Computational biology and health informatics
• Systems engineering and simulation
• Formal methods and mathematical modeling

Background:

• Information technology advancements enable "systems of systems" approaches in the Military Health System (MHS) to improve patient outcomes.
• Leveraging successful interoperability solutions within the military is crucial for developing trusted simulation compositions.
• Modeling and Simulation (M&S) applications within MHS benefit from these interoperability practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose three formal methods for harmonizing models and aligning M&S data for MHS simulation interoperability.
• To ensure unambiguous communication of interoperability approaches across the MHS community.
• To address the complexities of computational human body modeling in biomedical research.

Main Methods:

• Applying semiotics to align and transform data across simulations using principles of syntax and semantics.
• Utilizing concepts of well-specified co-simulations, including techniques, tools, and algorithms for component composition and synchronization.
• Employing model theory to codify expert knowledge, ensuring conceptual alignment within simulation compositions.

Main Results:

• Examination of formal methods using a notional example of blast injury.
• Demonstration of data alignment and transformation across simulations via semiotics.
• Illustration of component composition and synchronization using co-simulation concepts.
• Codification of expert knowledge for conceptual alignment through model theory.

Conclusions:

• Biomedical research requires cross-disciplinary tools to manage the complexity of computational human body modeling.
• Formal methods are essential for resolving differences in theories, methods, and tools in research.
• This work aligns with the broader context of digital engineering for military systems engineering.