Integrated System-of-Systems Synthesis

This paper defines a system of systems as an assemblage of components organized in three levels, each level featuring both analysis and optimization. The choice of only three levels is deliberate, based on examination of the nature of a system of systems, a sample of references, and the range of potential applications. The solution methodology introduced in the paper derives as an extension of an existing bilevel integrated system synthesis method for which an application and implementation experience, as well as rigorous proof of correctness, are available. The new method, called trilevel integrated system synthesis, addresses the engineering practice requirements discussed in the paper. It builds on the formal representation of the system-of-systems coupling data known as the data dependency matrix, on the use of surrogate models, and on a recursive similarity of the data coupling among the systems in a system of systems and among the components within the system. The paper defines three variants of trilevel integrated system synthesis and identifies one of the three for implementation by the criteria of computational cost and engineering practicality. The closing discussion points out that because of extraordinary cost development and doubtful utility of simplified test cases, a system-of-systems optimization method ought to be developed in conjunction with a real, full-scale, application.