What This Document Is
This report, originating from research at the University of Southern California (USC) and IBM, delves into the complexities of Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE). It explores how established systems engineering principles can be adapted and applied to manage increasingly intricate interconnected systems – those where individual systems combine to deliver capabilities beyond what any single system could achieve alone. The core focus is on leveraging modeling techniques, specifically the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), to improve the development, evolution, and understanding of these complex SoS environments. It builds upon findings from a Department of Defense (DoD) guidebook on the subject.
Why This Document Matters
This material is particularly valuable for graduate students in computer science and systems engineering, as well as professionals involved in the design, implementation, and management of large-scale, interconnected systems. Individuals working within the defense industry, aerospace, or any field dealing with complex integrated technologies will find the insights presented here highly relevant. It’s useful when seeking to understand the challenges of coordinating multiple independent systems and how to approach their evolution in a cohesive manner. Those looking to apply formal modeling approaches to SoSE will also benefit.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This report does *not* offer a step-by-step guide to implementing SysML or a comprehensive tutorial on systems engineering fundamentals. It assumes a foundational understanding of both systems engineering concepts and modeling languages. It also doesn’t provide pre-built SysML models or ready-to-use solutions for specific SoS challenges. Instead, it presents a research-based approach and explores potential applications of SysML within the SoSE context.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the core elements of Systems of Systems Engineering as defined by the DoD.
* Discussion of the challenges inherent in evolving and managing complex SoS architectures.
* Exploration of how modeling and simulation can support decision-making within a SoSE framework.
* Insights into applying the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to characterize SoS capabilities and relationships.
* A conceptual framework for understanding the interplay between constituent systems and overall SoS objectives.