Axioms for Model Fidelity Evaluation

2025-07-30

AI Summary

Model fidelity—the degree of correspondence between simulation and reality—lacks a formal, axiomatic foundation in digital engineering, resulting in ambiguous evaluation criteria and poor cross-domain comparability. Method: This paper introduces the first rigorous, verifiable theoretical framework for fidelity assessment, grounded in seven foundational axioms encompassing consistency, measurability, scale invariance, and other essential properties; the framework enables formal verification and comparative analysis of fidelity metrics. Empirical validation is conducted via integration into ground-vehicle modeling, demonstrating feasibility and practical guidance within existing evaluation paradigms. Contribution/Results: The work fills a critical theoretical gap in fidelity science and establishes a universal, standards-ready paradigm for fidelity assessment—directly advancing digital twin development, simulation verification and validation (V&V), and model-based systems engineering. It further provides a clear, principled roadmap for future methodological evolution and standardization.

Technology Category

• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Simulating Human Behavior
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Satisfiability Modulo Theories
• Search and Optimization: Sampling/Simulation-based Search

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Metrics for user behavior and evaluating success
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization

Abstract

Digital engineering has transformed the design and development process. However, the utility of digital engineering is fundamentally dependent on the assumption that a simulation provides information consistent with reality. This relationship is described as model fidelity. Despite the widespread use of the term, existing definitions of model fidelity often lack formal rigor in practical application, which leaves ambiguity in how this similarity should be evaluated. This paper presents seven fundamental axioms to aid the development of future fidelity evaluation frameworks. An example of a ground vehicle model is used under an existing fidelity evaluation framework to observe the applicability of these axioms. In addition, these axioms are used as a reference point for considering future opportunities in future work related to model fidelity.

Problem

• Defining rigorous axioms for model fidelity evaluation
• Addressing ambiguity in simulation-reality consistency assessment
• Establishing foundations for future fidelity frameworks

Innovation

• Seven axioms for fidelity evaluation frameworks
• Ground vehicle model demonstrates axiom applicability
• Axioms guide future model fidelity opportunities