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At least 127 records · Page 7

Enabling Space Exploration Medical System Development Using a Tool Ecosystem

The NASA Human Research Program's (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element is utilizing a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to enhance the development of systems engineering products that will be used to advance medical system designs for exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. In support of future missions, the team is capturing content such as system behaviors, functional decompositions, architecture, system requirements and interfaces, and recommendations for clinical capabilities and resources in Systems Modeling Language (SysML) models. As these products mature, SysML models provide a way for ExMC to capture relationships among the various products, which includes supporting more integrated and multi-faceted views of future medical systems. In addition to using SysML models, HRP and ExMC are developing supplementary tools to support two key functions: 1) prioritizing current and future research activities for exploration missions in an objective manner; and 2) enabling risk-informed and evidence-based trade space analysis for future space vehicles, missions, and systems. This paper will discuss the long-term HRP and ExMC vision for the larger ecosystem of tools, which include dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) capabilities, additional SysML models, a database of system component options, and data visualizations. It also includes a review of an initial Pilot Project focused on enabling medical system trade studies utilizing data that is coordinated across tools for consistent outputs (e.g., mission risk metrics that are associated with medical system mass values and medical conditions addressed). This first Pilot Project demonstrated successful operating procedures and integration across tools. Finally, the paper will also cover a second Pilot Project that utilizes tool enhancements such as medical system optimization capabilities, post-processing, and visualization of generated data for subject matter expert review, and increased integration amongst the tools themselves.

Amador, Jennifer R.↗

A Structured, Model-Based Systems Engineering Methodology for Operations System Design

Two widely accepted techniques for lowering the cost and risk of developing systems are (1) the use of a defined systems engineering (SE) process or methodology and (2) the reuse of existing (previously built) system components. The first technique is represented, for example, in materials published by NASA (e.g., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook) or by professional societies such as INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering). Well-formed SE techniques provide value by establishing the proper scope of the system (e.g., requirements), and by identifying and resolving problems relatively early in project lifecycles, when fixes are less expensive. The second technique (reuse) is applied most commonly to hardware and software; it seeks to avoid replicating design and implementation costs while also reducing risk by placing proven capabilities into operational use. In this paper, we outline a methodology combining these two techniques and extending reuse beyond hardware and software to foundational aspects of a Mission Operation System’s (MOS) design. We describe the system design artifacts that result (e.g., requirements, design documentation), as well as the reusable patterns and elements of the design, and their interrelationships. This approach is enabled by model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques and tools and is currently available in SysML form as a plug-in to MagicDraw. Additionally, usage of a rigorous MBSE approach allows for training materials and tutorials to be packaged within the overall model itself. The results of such an approach include decreased cost and risk during the design phase, improved ability of the MOS development team to investigate trade spaces and identify impacts to important flight-ground trade studies. Such results extend into decreased costs and risk in later phases due to improved design, decreased need for late fixes or development of "glue-ware" or scripts to fill unanticipated gaps in functionality, and improved ability to identify and plan testing and other validation activities. Finally, lower operational costs can be expected, both due to improved quality of the MOS, increased ease of maintaining updated knowledge of system configuration, and the fact that training and procedural materials are also updated at the same time as accepted system changes.

Bindschadler, Duane L.↗

Early Formulation Model-centric Engineering on Nasa's Europa Mission Concept Study

By leveraging the existing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) infrastructure at JPL and adding a modest investment, the Europa Mission Concept Study made striking advances in mission concept capture and analysis. This effort has reaffirmed the importance of architecting and successfully harnessed the synergistic relationship of system modeling to mission architecting. It clearly demonstrated that MBSE can provide greater agility than traditional systems engineering methods. This paper will describe the successful application of MBSE in the dynamic environment of early mission formulation, the significant results produced and lessons learned in the process.

science mission afforability↗

Using A Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach For Exploration Medical System Development

NASA's Human Research Program's Exploration Medical Capabilities (ExMC) element is defining the medical system needs for exploration class missions. ExMC's Systems Engineering (SE) team will play a critical role in successful design and implementation of the medical system into exploration vehicles. The team's mission is to "Define, develop, validate, and manage the technical system design needed to implement exploration medical capabilities for Mars and test the design in a progression of proving grounds." Development of the medical system is being conducted in parallel with exploration mission architecture and vehicle design development. Successful implementation of the medical system in this environment will require a robust systems engineering approach to enable technical communication across communities to create a common mental model of the emergent engineering and medical systems. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) improves shared understanding of system needs and constraints between stakeholders and offers a common language for analysis. The ExMC SE team is using MBSE techniques to define operational needs, decompose requirements and architecture, and identify medical capabilities needed to support human exploration. Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is the specific language the SE team is utilizing, within an MBSE approach, to model the medical system functional needs, requirements, and architecture. Modeling methods are being developed through the practice of MBSE within the team, and tools are being selected to support meta-data exchange as integration points to other system models are identified. Use of MBSE is supporting the development of relationships across disciplines and NASA Centers to build trust and enable teamwork, enhance visibility of team goals, foster a culture of unbiased learning and serving, and be responsive to customer needs. The MBSE approach to medical system design offers a paradigm shift toward greater integration between vehicle and the medical system and directly supports the transition of Earth-reliant ISS operations to the Earth-independent operations envisioned for Mars. Here, we describe the methods and approach to building this integrated model.

Hanson, A.↗

Framework for Architecture Trade Study Using MBSE and Performance Simulation

Increasing complexity in modern systems as well as cost and schedule constraints require a new paradigm of system engineering to fulfill stakeholder needs. Challenges facing efficient trade studies include poor tool interoperability, lack of simulation coordination (design parameters) and requirements flowdown. A recent trend toward Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) includes flexible architecture definition, program documentation, requirements traceability and system engineering reuse. As a new domain MBSE still lacks governing standards and commonly accepted frameworks. This paper proposes a framework for efficient architecture definition using MBSE in conjunction with Domain Specific simulation to evaluate trade studies. A general framework is provided followed with a specific example including a method for designing a trade study, defining candidate architectures, planning simulations to fulfill requirements and finally a weighted decision analysis to optimize system objectives.

Ryan, Jessica↗

Model-Based Systems Engineering Pathfinder: Informing the Next Steps

In 2016, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center established a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) Pathfinder. The primary motivations for establishing the MBSE Pathfinder were to advance the Agency's applications of MBSE and capture lessons-learned to inform the next steps. The MBSE Pathfinder had four teams working in parallel for eight months on different topics of interest to NASA. The teams were encouraged to learn, and use creativity and innovation in their system modeling. The results were captured via reports, webinars, and a knowledge capture meeting. The approach taken for the MBSE Pathfinder was very successful in providing a number of lessons-learned for NASA and for other organizations considering MBSE or pathfinder efforts, and in building a very strong and collaborative user community.

Weiland, Karen J.↗

Summary of Work on a Software Adapter for Project Requirements and MBSE

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) has funded the development of a digital pipeline to pull a project’s requirements from IBM’s Rational Dynamic Object Oriented Requirements System (DOORS), save them to Deep Lynx, then push them into the corresponding project in Innoslate. These utilities are accessible from a web browser and allow a project’s functional and business requirements to be tied to its tree of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) data.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers(SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This paper will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V)tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This paper details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

Demetrios Katsaduros↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers (SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This presentation will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V) tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This presentation details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

systems engineering↗

Model-Based Systems Engineering for Capturing Mission Architecture System Processes with an Application Case Study - Orion Flight Test 1

Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an emerging methodology that can be leveraged to enhance many system development processes. MBSE allows for the centralization of an architecture description that would otherwise be stored in various locations and formats, thus simplifying communication among the project stakeholders, inducing commonality in representation, and expediting report generation. This paper outlines the MBSE approach taken to capture the processes of two different, but related, architectures by employing the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) as a standard for architecture description and the modeling tool MagicDraw. The overarching goal of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of MBSE as a means of capturing and designing a mission systems architecture. The first portion of the project focused on capturing the necessary system engineering activities that occur when designing, developing, and deploying a mission systems architecture for a space mission. The second part applies activities from the first to an application problem - the system engineering of the Orion Flight Test 1 (OFT-1) End-to-End Information System (EEIS). By modeling the activities required to create a space mission architecture and then implementing those activities in an application problem, the utility of MBSE as an approach to systems engineering can be demonstrated.

Orion Flight Test 1 (OFT-1)↗

Realized Benefits from the Model-Based Systems Engineering Infusion and Modernization Initiative

Although Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a concept has existed for over a decade, overall acceptance within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been slow and is now growing. Since 2016, NASA’s MBSE Infusion And Modernization Initiative (MIAMI) has proven MBSE’s value to and increased its adoption at NASA. MBSE Pathfinder projects provided focused use cases that demonstrated both qualitative and quantitative benefits for systems engineering activities, and demonstrated the ability to connect MBSE models with discipline models such as structural loads and safety and mission assurance. MIAMI assisted NASA’s field centers to establish or enhance an MBSE presence. MIAMI partners with JAXA’s Systems Technology Unit to share lessons learned and demonstrate how MBSE can be used across organizations. Following its successful test cases, MIAMI is using design thinking, lean startup, and high technology marketing methodologies to implement a targeted deployment of its Community of Practice and other resources.

MBSE↗

Implementation of a Goal-Based Systems Engineering Process Using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML)

Building upon the purpose, theoretical approach, and use of a Goal-Function Tree (GFT) being presented by Dr. Stephen B. Johnson, described in a related Infotech 2013 ISHM abstract titled "Goal-Function Tree Modeling for Systems Engineering and Fault Management", this paper will describe the core framework used to implement the GFTbased systems engineering process using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). These two papers are ideally accepted and presented together in the same Infotech session. Statement of problem: SysML, as a tool, is currently not capable of implementing the theoretical approach described within the "Goal-Function Tree Modeling for Systems Engineering and Fault Management" paper cited above. More generally, SysML's current capabilities to model functional decompositions in the rigorous manner required in the GFT approach are limited. The GFT is a new Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to the development of goals and requirements, functions, and its linkage to design. As a growing standard for systems engineering, it is important to develop methods to implement GFT in SysML. Proposed Method of Solution: Many of the central concepts of the SysML language are needed to implement a GFT for large complex systems. In the implementation of those central concepts, the following will be described in detail: changes to the nominal SysML process, model view definitions and examples, diagram definitions and examples, and detailed SysML construct and stereotype definitions.

Patterson, Jonathan D.↗

Implementation of a Goal-Based Systems Engineering Process Using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML)

Building upon the purpose, theoretical approach, and use of a Goal-Function Tree (GFT) being presented by Dr. Stephen B. Johnson, described in a related Infotech 2013 ISHM abstract titled "Goal-Function Tree Modeling for Systems Engineering and Fault Management", this paper will describe the core framework used to implement the GFTbased systems engineering process using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). These two papers are ideally accepted and presented together in the same Infotech session. Statement of problem: SysML, as a tool, is currently not capable of implementing the theoretical approach described within the "Goal-Function Tree Modeling for Systems Engineering and Fault Management" paper cited above. More generally, SysML's current capabilities to model functional decompositions in the rigorous manner required in the GFT approach are limited. The GFT is a new Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to the development of goals and requirements, functions, and its linkage to design. As a growing standard for systems engineering, it is important to develop methods to implement GFT in SysML. Proposed Method of Solution: Many of the central concepts of the SysML language are needed to implement a GFT for large complex systems. In the implementation of those central concepts, the following will be described in detail: changes to the nominal SysML process, model view definitions and examples, diagram definitions and examples, and detailed SysML construct and stereotype definitions.

Breckenridge, Jonathan T.↗

ExMC Systems Engineering Status

The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element within the Human Research Program (HRP) applies systems engineering principles along with the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to identify and communicate the requirements for medical and crew health and performance (CHP) systems. The MBSE approach to medical system design offers a paradigm shift toward greater integration between the vehicle and a human health and performance system. In addition, the MBSE tools provide a means in which systems engineers can develop different views of the relationships between and among requirements, standards, functions, and capabilities, to name a few, that is best suited for a user’s objectives. Applying these tools, ExMC Systems Engineering (SE) developed three MBSE models in support of multiple projects in fiscal year (FY) 2023. These included the Long-Duration Lunar Orbit and Lunar Surface (LDLOLS) Medical System Foundation, Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) medical system ConOps, and the 2023 Artemis CHP System model. This talk will provide a high-level overview of what the ExMC SE team has accomplished since the last Investigators’ Workshop, an introduction to upcoming SE talks, and the ongoing systems engineering work.

Systems engineering↗

ExMC Systems Engineering Status

The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element within the Human Research Program (HRP) applies systems engineering principles along with the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to identify and communicate the requirements for medical and crew health and performance (CHP) systems. The MBSE approach to medical system design offers a paradigm shift toward greater integration between the vehicle and a human health and performance system. In addition, the MBSE tools provide a means in which systems engineers can develop different views of the relationships between and among requirements, standards, functions, and capabilities, to name a few, that is best suited for a user’s objectives. Applying these tools, ExMC Systems Engineering (SE) developed three MBSE models in support of multiple projects in fiscal year (FY) 2023. These included the Long-Duration Lunar Orbit and Lunar Surface (LDLOLS) Medical System Foundation, Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) medical system ConOps, and the 2023 Artemis CHP System model. This talk will provide a high-level overview of what the ExMC SE team has accomplished since the last Investigators’ Workshop, an introduction to upcoming SE talks, and the ongoing systems engineering work.

Systems engineering↗

Model-Based Systems Engineering in Concurrent Engineering Centers

Concurrent Engineering Centers (CECs) are specialized facilities with a goal of generating and maturing engineering designs by enabling rapid design iterations. This is accomplished by co-locating a team of experts (either physically or virtually) in a room with a narrow design goal and a limited timeline of a week or less. The systems engineer uses a model of the system to capture the relevant interfaces and manage the overall architecture. A single model that integrates other design information and modeling allows the entire team to visualize the concurrent activity and identify conflicts more efficiently, potentially resulting in a systems model that will continue to be used throughout the project lifecycle. Performing systems engineering using such a system model is the definition of model-based systems engineering (MBSE); therefore, CECs evolving their approach to incorporate advances in MBSE are more successful in reducing time and cost needed to meet study goals. This paper surveys space mission CECs that are in the middle of this evolution, and the authors share their experiences in order to promote discussion within the community.

MODEL↗

ExMC Systems Engineering Developments

The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element within the Human Research Program (HRP) applies systems engineering (SE) principles along with the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to identify and communicate the requirements for medical and crew health and performance (CHP) systems. In the past fiscal year, the MBSE approach sought to advance the digital engineering toolset for medical and CHP system representation. These digital artifacts provide enhanced views of the relationships among requirements, standards, functions, and capabilities, to name a few, that is best suited for a user’s objectives. The MBSE tools and SE practices were applied to the development of the revised Earth Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) medical system and the Artemis III and IV CHP System models. In addition, a System of Systems concept was integrated into the EIMO model to facilitate the identification of system interfaces that interact with the medical system. Finally, the ExMC SE team has initiated several efforts to bring operationally relevant digital engineering practices to the Human Health and Performance Directorate (HHPD). This included the development of a pilot program within the directorate to help foster utilization of tools such as MagicDraw for system modeling and Power BI for visualizing extracted data in an easily accessible dashboard format. Additionally, with the increase in complexity of the integration effort for Artemis missions, ExMC has endeavored to bring digital engineering strategies to potentially increase efficiency in review processes. This talk will provide a high-level overview of the ExMC SE team accomplishments since the last Investigators’ Workshop, an introduction to upcoming SE talks, and the ongoing systems engineering work.

systems engineering↗

Model-Based Approaches to Generate Knowledge from Data in a Plant Reliability Context

One challenge that nuclear power plant system engineers are facing is continuous generation of an extremely large amount of equipment reliability (ER) data. These data elements come in textual (e.g., condition reports) and numeric (e.g., generated by monitoring systems) forms. They provide system engineers with valuable insights and information by discovering anomalous behaviors or degradation trends, identifying possible causes behind such behaviors and trends, and predicting their direct consequences. This paper directly targets the knowledge generation from ER data by putting “data into context.” We employ model-based system engineering (MBSE) of systems and assets to represent and capture their architecture and functional (i.e., cause-effect) relations. ER data elements are processed by first identifying which of the developed MBSE elements they are referring to. This task is harder for textual data since the information contained in issue or maintenance reports needs to be “understood” by a computational tool. We called this process “knowledge extraction” since our methods extract knowledge from textual data. Last, once numeric and textual ER data elements have been processed and “understood,” we discover possible cause-effect relations among them. This is performed by observing whether a logical connection through the MBSE models exists, and if there is a temporal relationship among them. The logic and temporal are the two main ingredients to perform “machine reasoning” from ER data.

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗