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MBSE for System-of-Systems

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Handbook of Model-Based Systems Engineering

Abstract

A System-of-Systems (SoS) is a special kind of complex system in which new capabilities arise from interacting components that are controlled with varying degrees of independence by multiple owner/operators. Thus, the capabilities generated by an SoS are not merely a sum of the capabilities of individual constituent systems, but instead are an emergent property stemming from their interactions. Thus, SoS behavior over time is highly dependent on the dynamic and evolving character of those interaction. Further, the architecture of an SoS consists not only of the constituent systems, but of their interfaces and the communication and exchanges occurring between the systems. In this context, model-based system engineering methods, processes, and tools are especially important for supporting desired evolutionary development of the SoS as the architecture is almost always in a state of flux. This chapter draws on a combination of theory and experience with practical projects to describe three examples of important model-based functions in SoS Engineering (SoSE), a tailored approach for building effective SoSE models, and vignettes of these approaches in practice. Summary observations on the critical role of MBSE in support of SoSE close the chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Daniel DeLaurentis

  2. Systems Engineering and Operations Research, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Ali Raz

  3. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Cesare Guariniello

Authors
  1. Daniel DeLaurentis
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  2. Ali Raz
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  3. Cesare Guariniello
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel DeLaurentis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Azad M. Madni

  2. Lockheed Martin (United States), Bethesda, MD, USA

    Norman Augustine

  3. University of Southern California, Los Angelies, CA, USA

    Michael Sievers

Section Editor information

  1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Dan A. Erwin

  2. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Alejandro Salado

  3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Michael W. Sievers

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DeLaurentis, D., Raz, A., Guariniello, C. (2022). MBSE for System-of-Systems. In: Madni, A.M., Augustine, N., Sievers, M. (eds) Handbook of Model-Based Systems Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27486-3_59-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27486-3_59-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-27486-3

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