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Chapter 2
System of systems.
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Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
While these distinctions are somewhat arbitrary, we still need to agree on common definitions to facilitate discussion.
Subsystem a major portion of the system that performs a closely related subset of the overall system functions
Component middle level of system elements; often correspond to configuration items (CIs) in government system acquisition notation.
Subcomponents perform elementary functions Parts perform on significant function except in combinations with other parts.
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Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
Components level point at which two knowledge domains overlap. This is where the systems engineer and design specialist must communicate effectively.
Functions on the component level first to provide a significant functional capability, as well as being found in a variety of different systems. Components basic system building blocks
Energy which energizes the operation and movement of all active system components
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Subdivide into two classes Elements dealing with propagating information (e.g., radio signals) are called signal elements Elements dealing with stationary information (e.g., computer programs) are called data elements Results in four classes of system functional elements: Signal elements: sense and communicate information Data elements: interpret, organize, and manipulate information Material elements: provide structure and transformation of materials Energy elements, provide energy and motive power
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The functional design of any system may be defined by conceptually combining and interconnecting the identified functional elements.
Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
The system inputs are transformed and processed through the interconnected functions to provide the desired system outputs.
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Issues with implementing functional elements into components: reliability, form and fit, compatibility with the operational environment, maintainability, producibility, testability, safety, cost, integrity of the functional design.
Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
System Boundaries
Necessary to precisely define what is inside the system and what is outside.
In a functional sense, the operators are integral parts of the system. However, operators constitute elements of the system environment, and impose interface requirements that the system must be engineered to accommodate. In our definition, the operators are considered external to the system.
For example, the electrical power grid is a standard source of electricity, an essential element in its operational environment, and interfacing requirements.
This material is copyrighted and is the property of Colorado State University
Primary
Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
System Operators
Human-machine interface is one of the most critical, but also most complex to define and test
Operational maintenance
Designed to provide access for monitoring, testing, and repair.
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Secondary
Support Systems
Standard available resources with which it must interface harmoniously Examples: electric power grids, automobile filling stations
System Housing
Operating site, which imposes compatibility constraints on the system
Interactions
Interactions between two individual elements of the system are effected through the interface connecting the two.
Requires access to a number of vital system functions for testing purposes.
Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
Interface Elements
Three different types
Connectors, which facilitate the transmission of electricity, fluid, force, and so on between components Isolators, which inhibit such interactions Converters, which alter the form of the interaction medium.
Points to note:
The function of making or breaking a connection between two components is an important design feature.
Source: Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. (2003). Systems engineering : principles and practice. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience.
The function of connecting nonadjacent system components by cables, pipes, levers, and so on, is often not part of a particular system component. The relative simplicity of interface elements belies their critical role in ensuring system performance and reliability. Experience has shown that a large fraction of system failures occurs at interfaces.
This material is copyrighted and is the property of Colorado State University
2.4) The last column of Table 2-1 lists examples of the applications of the 23 functional elements. List one other example application than the one listed for three elements in each of the four classes of elements. 2.6) For a passenger automobile, partition the principal parts into four subsystems and their components. (Do not include auxiliary functions such as environmental, entertainment.) For the subsystems, group together components concerned with each primary function. For defining the components, use the principles of significance, (performs an important function), singularity (largely falls within a simple discipline), and commonality (found in a variety of system types). Indicate where you may have doubts. Draw a block diagram relating the subsystems and components to the system and to each other.
This material is copyrighted and is the property of Colorado State University