A Comprehensive Evaluation Framework of Digital Twin Platforms for Domain-Specific Applications : A Case Study

As digital twin applications continue to proliferate across diverse industries, a noticeable gap exists in the availability of evaluation methods or frameworks to aid in the selection and development of digital twin platforms, particularly for domain-specific applications. To address this gap, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework based on the AHP-FCE algorithm to provide scientific guidance and reference for developing, improving and selecting digital twin platforms for domain-specific applications. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the requirements and functional components of a digital twin platform, the evaluation framework prioritizes key factors pertinent to domain-specific applications. This prioritization facilitates informed decision-making for potential users when selecting a platform for their specific application, thereby ensuring that the chosen platform not only meets their requirements but also delivers optimal results. Through the implementation of the evaluation framework on a high-speed railway digital twin platform, this study validates the effectiveness, capabilities, and potential benefits of the proposed evaluation framework, while also thoroughly discussing its limitations. As a result, this study provides a valuable reference framework for the evaluation of digital twin platforms