Showing papers on "System of systems engineering published in 2009"

Software Engineering for Self-Adaptive Systems: A Research Roadmap

Abstract: The goal of this roadmap paper is to summarize the state-of-the-art and to identify critical challenges for the systematic software engineering of self-adaptive systems. The paper is partitioned into four parts, one for each of the identified essential views of self-adaptation: modelling dimensions, requirements, engineering, and assurances. For each view, we present the state-of-the-art and the challenges that our community must address. This roadmap paper is a result of the Dagstuhl Seminar 08031 on "Software Engineering for Self-Adaptive Systems," which took place in January 2008.

Engineering Self-Adaptive Systems through Feedback Loops

Abstract: To deal with the increasing complexity of software systems and uncertainty of their environments, software engineers have turned to self-adaptivity. Self-adaptive systems are capable of dealing with a continuously changing environment and emerging requirements that may be unknown at design-time. However, building such systems cost-effectively and in a predictable manner is a major engineering challenge. In this paper, we explore the state-of-the-art in engineering self-adaptive systems and identify potential improvements in the design process. Our most important finding is that in designing self-adaptive systems, the feedback loops that control self-adaptation must become first-class entities. We explore feedback loops from the perspective of control engineering and within existing self-adaptive systems in nature and biology. Finally, we identify the critical challenges our community must address to enable systematic and well-organized engineering of self-adaptive and self-managing software systems.

The Engineering Design of Systems

Abstract: A four-sided box-like structure constructed of a single blank of corrugated fiber board or other suitable lightweight sheet material which is cut and scored to provide top and bottom panels which are individually foldable inwardly from the side wall panels to form double-layered flat top and bottom closures for the structure, the several closure panels each having their side edges tapered for non-interfering folding thereof into their closed positions. The closure panels foldable inwardly from each of two opposed side walls of the structure are split apart in such manner that upon their being infolded they form a slot extending crosswise between said opposed side walls for receiving end flaps provided at the free ends of the other pair of the closure panels, the said slot having its opposite ends spaced inwardly from the side walls between which it extends with its ends respectively connected to said side walls by short slits which act to prevent tearing or otherwise disrupting the integrity of the side walls upon inward and outward folding of the split panels along their respective fold lines.

Principles of complex systems for systems engineering

Abstract: This paper shows how three systems of types well known to systems engineers can be understood as complex systems. This is important because research in complex systems sciences is vibrant and provides critical insight, but if systems engineers do not understand the complex aspects of the systems they work with daily, they may not be able to use these research results. To date, systems engineering has been looking only at exploiting the “order” side of the order-to-chaos spectrum, and it is time now to understand and begin to utilize principles from the middle and from the chaos side of the spectrum. Three complex systems examples are INCOSE, the systems engineering process (such as a company's standard process), and air traffic control. INCOSE represents most volunteer organizations and social groups. Most systems engineers do not realize that the systems engineering process for a company is a network that can be studied by complex systems methods. Air traffic control may come closest to many systems engineers' definition of a system. This paper provides principles of complex systems based on a variety of sources, and shows the application of complex systems to one of the examples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng

Modeling and validating distributed embedded real-time control systems

Abstract: The development of complex embedded control systems can be improved significantly by applying formal techniques from control engineering and software engineering. It is shown how these approaches can be combined to improve the design and analysis of high-tech systems, both in theory and practice. The semantics of the integration of two established rigorous techniques has been defined formally in this work. The strength of this integrated semantics is demonstrated by means of a significant industrial case study: the embedded control of a printer paper path, whereby the full development life-cycle from model to realization is covered. The resulting model-driven design approach fits the current engineering practice in industry and is both flexible and effective.

Value-Driven Design

Abstract: Value-Driven Design is a movement that is using economic theory to transform systems engineering to better utilize optimization so as to improve the design of large systems, particularly in aerospace and defense. This paper describes the ideas and methods that are current in Value-Driven Design.

Specification technique for the description of self-optimizing mechatronic systems

Abstract: The conceivable development of information and communication technology will enable mechatronic systems with inherent partial intelligence. We refer to this by using the term “self-optimization”. Self-optimizing systems react autonomously and flexibly on changing environmental conditions. They are able to learn and optimize their behavior during operation. To develop self-optimizing systems, is a challenge. The principle solution represents a significant milestone because it is the result of the conceptual design as well as the basis for the concretization of the system itself which involves experts from several domains, such as mechanics, electrical engineering/electronics, control engineering and software engineering. This contribution presents a new specification technique for the conceptual design of mechatronic and self-optimizing systems. It also uses the railway technology as a complex example, to demonstrate how to use this specification technique and in which way it profits for the development of future mechanical engineering systems.

Integration of heterogeneous engineering environments for the automation systems lifecycle

Abstract: Production systems will become increasingly complex to handle flexible business processes and systems. Engineering systems and tools from several sources have to cooperate for building agile component-based systems. While there are approaches for the technical integration of component-based industrial automation systems, there is only little work on the effective and efficient integration of engineering tools and systems along the automation systems lifecycle. In this paper we introduce the concept of the “Automation Service Bus” (ASB) based on technical and semantic integration concepts for general software engineering tools and systems. Based on real-world use cases from automation systems engineering we discuss the state of the art, innovation benefits and limitations of the ASB concept, and derive research issues for further work.

System of Systems Engineering and Family of Systems Engineering from a standards, V-Model, and Dual-V Model perspective

Abstract: System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) and Family of Systems Engineering (FoSE) continue to be two of the least well-understood SE disciplines. Knowledge of the SE standards, the V-Model, and particularly the 3-dimensional Dual-V Model, significantly aid this understanding, including the relationship between SE, SoSE, and FoSE. The goals of this paper are to: 1) define SoS, SoSE, and FoSE from an SE standards perspective; 2) describe the original V-Model and the Dual-V Model; 3) show how to apply these SE standards and V-Models to a system, to SoSs, and to FoSs; and 4) encourage and challenge the participants to understand, select, tailor, and apply these SE standards and V-Models to complex SoSs and FoSs. Individuals may have an understanding of portions of SE, SoSE, and FoSE based on other sources. The SE standards, V-Model, and Dual-V Model provide a more complete and common understanding.

Architecting the system of systems enterprise: Enabling constructs and methods from the field of engineering systems

Abstract: Engineering systems is a field of scholarship focused on developing fundamental theories and methods to address the challenges of large-scale complex systems in context of their socio-technical environments. The authors describe facets of their recent and ongoing research within the field of engineering systems to develop constructs and methods for architecting enterprises engaged in system-of-systems (SoS) engineering,. The ultimate goal of the research is to develop a framework for characterizing, designing, and evaluating SoS enterprise architectures throughout the system lifespan as various forces result in entering/exiting of constituent systems, changing environment, and shifting enterprise profile. The nature of systems-of-systems demands constructs for multi-dimensional architectural descriptions, as well as methods for design and evaluation that employ dynamic approaches. In this paper, two important elements in an emerging framework are described, including a holistic enterprise architecting framework and an epoch-based analysis method for examining possible futures of the SoS enterprise.

Applied Space Systems Engineering

Abstract: 1 Space Systems Engineering 2 Stakeholder Expectations and Requirements Definition 3 Concept of Operations and System Operational Architecture 4 Engineering and Managing System Requirements 5 System Functional and Physical Partitioning 6 Decision Making 7 Lifecycle Cost Analysis 8 Technical Risk Management 9 Product Implementation 10 System Integration 11 Verification and Validation 12 Product Transition 13 Plan and Manage the Technical Effort 14 Technical Direction and Management: The Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) in Action 15 Manage Interfaces 16 Manage Configuration 17 Manage Technical Data 18 Technical Assessment and Reviews 19 FireSAT End-to-End Case Study: A Parable of Space Systems Engineering in Seven Parts

Requirements engineering for systems of systems

Abstract: Traditional requirements engineering for single systems, while remaining a large challenge for engineers, has been extensively researched and many techniques have been proposed and used with varying degree of success. However, many modern systems of systems are being developed to support interaction across multiple controlling authorities and existing techniques are proving to be inadequate for meeting the challenges of requirements engineering for systems of systems. This paper discusses some of these challenges, examines several existing techniques, and discusses how these techniques could be applied to engineer requirements for systems of systems.

Empirical research in systems engineering: challenges and opportunities of a new frontier

Abstract: This paper aims to advance the pedagogy of systems engineering by identifying opportunities and challenges in empirical research in the field. After an introduction to how empirical research could be further utilized in systems engineering, this paper discusses challenges faced when conducting empirical research in the field, threats to validity associated with systems engineering data collection, and considerations for empirical mixed-methods research. Two recently completed systems engineering empirical studies are used to illustrate specific examples. Finally, suggestions are given on how a professional society might provide additional support for researchers completing empirical research in systems engineering. The overarching goal of this paper is to describe how the increased use of empirical methods can be used to enrich the quality of research results which will in turn enhance the position of systems engineering as a widely recognized academic field. It is proposed that utilizing well-grounded, valid theory will improve understanding of systems engineering phenomena and advance the maturity of the field. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng

Engineering change: drivers, sources and approaches in industry

Abstract: Engineering change is a fundamental part of all design activities at all stages of design. Most complex products are designed by modification from existing ones. Requirements change during long development projects. Problems through the design process require rework. Yet engineering change has only recently become the topic of academic research and only few specific tools exist to manage engineering change. This paper reports on two workshops held in 2008, one in the UK and one in the US, where practising engineers reported on the challenges their organisations face with engineering changes and what approaches they take to deal with the effects of change. An analysis of 11 presentations shows that the causes volunteered for engineering change are very similar. However the approaches taken by companies to assess, manage and potentially take advantage of engineering changes are very different. In the absence of specific tools for management engineering change companies used general process improvement and systems engineering tools, ranging from virtual design and QFD to high-level system simulation.

Intelligent Control Systems with an Introduction to System of Systems Engineering

Abstract: Apply NASA SoS Innovations to Your Own Work From aeronautics and manufacturing to healthcare and disaster management, systems engineering (SE) now focuses on designing applications that ensure performance optimization, robustness, and reliability while combining an emerging group of heterogeneous systems to realize a common goal. Use SoS to Revolutionize Management of Large Organizations, Factories, and Systems Intelligent Control Systems with an Introduction to System of Systems Engineering integrates the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and systems control in a framework applicable to both simple dynamic systems and large-scale system of systems (SoS). For decades, NASA has used SoS methods, and major manufacturersincluding Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Northrop-Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systemsnow make large-scale systems integration and SoS a key part of their business strategies, dedicating entire business units to this remarkably efficient approach. Simulate Novel Robotic Systems and ApplicationsTranscending theory, this book offers a complete and practical review of SoS and some of its fascinating applications, including: Manipulation of robots through neural-based network control Use of robotic swarms, based on ant colonies, to detect mines Other novel systems in which intelligent robots, trained animals, and humans cooperate to achieve humanitarian objectives Training engineers to integrate traditional systems control theory with soft computing techniques further nourishes emerging SoS technology. With this in mind, the authors address the fundamental precepts at the core of SoS, which uses human heuristics to model complex systems, providing a scientific rationale for integrating independent, complex systems into a single coordinated, stabilized, and optimized one. They provide readers with MATLAB code, which can be downloaded from the publisher's website to simulate presented results and projects that offer practical, hands-on experience using concepts discussed throughout the book.

Engineering e-collaboration processes to obtain innovative end-user feedback on advanced web-based information systems

Abstract: Special Issue

A Model of Systems Engineering in a System of Systems Context

Abstract: Systems engineering is a key enabler of defense system acquisition. Current Department of Defense (DoD) systems engineering policy and guidance focus on the engineering of new systems. At the same time, the defense environment is increasingly characterized by networks of systems which work together to meet user capability needs. Individual systems are no longer considered as individual bounded entities, but rather as components in larger, more variable, ensembles of interdependent systems which interact based on end-to-end business processes and networked information exchange. This paper presents a model of systems engineering which provides a framework for supporting the systems engineer in this systems-of-systems (SoS) environment.

The Influence of the Concept of Capability-based Management on the Development of the Systems Engineering Discipline

Abstract: This paper explores the implications of a capability-based conceptual approach on the development of the systems engineering (SE) discipline. It deals with the identification of some potential limits and gaps of traditional SE approaches and demonstrates the need for new and innovative developments which support the concept of capability based engineering, especially as applied in the military domain and networking environments. The innovative approaches include partnership for capability planning and service descriptions for capability representations. The paper also presents a very brief assessment of the state-of-the-art of cognate domains such as capability based planning alongside requirements engineering and management, and considers the extent to which they address capability based concepts. The related concepts of system of systems (SoS) and the endeavour to extend SE to SoS are necessarily addressed.

Research challenges in control engineering of computing systems

Abstract: A wide variety of software systems employ closed loops (feedback) to achieve service level objectives and to optimize resource usage. Control theory provides a systematic approach to constructing closed loop systems, and is widely used in disciplines such as mechanical and electrical engineering. This paper describes recent advances in applying control theory to computing systems, and identifies research challenges to address so that control engineering can be widely used by software practitioners.

Agent-directed simulation for systems engineering

Abstract: As the fielding of enterprise systems of systems becomes common it becomes increasingly important to understand the interactions between the systems as well as the important role that human behavior plays. This paper suggests that Agent-Directed Simulation is a valuable and crucial analysis tool for the Systems Engineer. The paper examines the concept of Agent-Directed Simulation for Systems Engineering and then introduces the notion of Human Complex Systems. An analysis infrastructure is described and a case study is provided to illustrate the concepts.

Socio-cognitive analysis of engineering systems design : shared knowledge, process, and product

Abstract: Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2009.

Reengineering Systems Engineering

Abstract: This paper documents (1) the early phases of using systems engineering to develop a conceptual system - the system being developed is a systems engineering body of knowledge (SEBoK) and (2) the findings and opportunities generated in those early phases. The approach was based on identifying activities specific to systems engineering, as opposed to the broad raft of activities that systems engineers might undertake, according to their role. An activity-based definition of systems engineering vs. non-systems engineering role-based definition was developed. The second part of the paper identifies five types of systems engineers, discusses the evolution of systems engineering in terms of those five types, and hypothesizes that a major cause of the failure of systems engineering is the allocation of inappropriate types of systems engineers to early lifecycle phase systems engineering activities. The paper concludes with some insights and recommendations for further study.

Engineering Your Future: An Australasian Guide

Abstract: Part 1: What is engineering? -- Chapter 1. What is engineering? -- Chapter 2. The engineering method -- Part 2: Skills development -- Chapter 3. Learning to be an engineer -- Chapter 4. Understanding communication -- Chapter 5. Enabling skills for engineers -- Part 3: Applying the engineering method -- Chapter 6. Information skills -- Chapter 7. Problem solving tools -- Chapter 8. Sustainable engineering -- Chapter 9. Ethics in engineering -- Chapter 10. Managing engineering projects -- Chapter 11. Communicating outcomes -- Part 4: Planning your career -- Chapter 12. Your engineering future.

Intelligent and Soft Computing in Infrastructure Systems Engineering

Abstract: The use of intelligent and soft computing techniques in the field of geomechanical and pavement engineering has steadily increased over the past decade owing to their ability to admit approximate reasoning, imprecision, uncertainty and partial truth. Since real-life infrastructure engineering decisions are made in ambiguous environments that require human expertise, the application of soft computing techniques has been an attractive option in pavement and geomechanical modeling. The objective of this carefully edited book is to highlight key recent advances made in the application of soft computing techniques in pavement and geomechanical systems. Soft computing techniques discussed in this book include, but are not limited to: neural networks, evolutionary computing, swarm intelligence, probabilistic modeling, kernel machines, knowledge discovery and data mining, neuro-fuzzy systems and hybrid approaches. Highlighted application areas include infrastructure materials modeling, pavement analysis and design, rapid interpretation of nondestructive testing results, porous asphalt concrete distress modeling, model parameter identification, pavement engineering inversion problems, subgrade soils characterization, and backcalculation of pavement layer thickness and moduli. Researchers and practitioners engaged in developing and applying soft computing and intelligent systems principles to solving real-world infrastructure engineering problems will find this book very useful. This book will also serve as an excellent state-of-the-art reference material for graduate and postgraduate students in transportation infrastructure engineering.