Systems Engineering Research Articles

An integrated systematic method for interlaced unmanned spatial systems (IUSS) design process

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have garnered significant interest in recent years. These systems, commonly consisting of one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and satellite systems, have been extensively used to enhance the effectiveness of various SOSs, such as disaster management and relief efforts. In addition, the inaugural Mars unmanned helicopter, Ingenuity (Ginny), successfully took flight in April 2021, marking the beginning of the utilization of these systems on Mars. This research aims to build an integrated approach for developing Interlaced Unmanned Spatial Systems, considering the high level of precision required for space systems. This study aims to set up and optimize all parts of the proposed architecture for the design of IUSS, using Model-Based Systems Engineering theories and Dependency Structural Matrix foundations. This research introduces a comprehensive coherence architecture that considers all design domains, including the design process, design office, products, and requirements. Additionally, a design workflow model is provided.

Shear Band Formation with Split Hopkinson Bar Experiments

The essence of dynamic failure is closely linked to dramatic shear deformations which often lead to the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASB). Under high loading velocities and the subsequent rapid temperature increase, the localization of shear strain is crucial in view of safety issues of systems in mechanical and aircraft engineering, especially with respect to fast rotating components and diverse crash scenarios. In this research, we perform high speed impact tests at the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) setup and use particular hat-shaped specimen geometries that resemble the stresses and failure conditions at the component level.In the first step, we specify a notched specimen geometry using finite element (FE) simulations to ensure pure shear. Further, quasi-static compressive tests and a series of impact tests at high strain rates of 103−104s−1 are conducted on specimens manufactured from a fine-grain structural steel with the properties of S355. Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) of the sheared zones unveil significant localization to maximal shear strains of about 0.9 accompanied by grain refinement by factors 5 to 14. The displacements across the surface of the specimens are captured with subset-based local digital image correlation (DIC) during the impact time, and serve as an objective to validate a viscoplastic constitutive relationship. More precisely, the deformation distribution is accurately reproduced by the widely recognized Johnson-Cook (JC) model, which features an enhanced description of damage evolution. Thus, combining experimental and characterization techniques, continuum mechanics and reasonable optimization strategies for the identification of model parameters provides an efficient approach for comprehensive insights into the strain localization behaviour and its impact on the mechanical performance of S355 under extreme strain rates and deformations.

Methodology for identifying reference architectural and spatial solutions of universities using a graphic matrix

The present study considers architectural and spatial development of the existing universities and campuses as relevant issue. Administrative and academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, student dormitories and sports facilities, medical centers, pedestrian zones, green spaces, parks and sports grounds, green area recreations contribute to strengthening social ties between students and teachers, providing a beneficial effect on learning and development. The present paper analyzes examples of successful development of student campuses and identifies the factors of their effectiveness. The study findings may serve as a foundation for creating architectural and spatial solutions aimed at comprehensive development of a comfortable educational environment in modern universities of the Volga region. Furthermore, the results of the conducted analysis will assist in identifying priorities of architectural development tasks in areas at different levels — from urban planning to the installation of engineering and automation systems. Well-maintained green spaces, convenient areas for relaxation and socialization, as well as a variety of sports and cultural facilities, will contribute to the creation of comfortable and stimulating atmosphere, which, in turn, will enhance students' motivation for learning and develop their social skills. Effective planning, consideration of the needs and preferences of students, and their involvement in the decision-making process are indicated as the key factors for successful architectural and spatial solutions of university campuses. In addition, the maintenance and regular updating of green spaces and campus infrastructure are found significant.

Study on Methods Using Multi-Label Learning for the Classification of Compound Faults in Auxiliary Equipment Pumps of Marine Engine Systems

Study on Methods Using Multi-Label Learning for the Classification of Compound Faults in Auxiliary Equipment Pumps of Marine Engine Systems

A hybrid failure analysis model design for marine engineering systems: A case study on alternative propulsion system

Marine engineering systems have a fundamental role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of maritime transportation. The performance and reliability of these systems, particularly propulsion systems, are of paramount importance. This paper introduces a pioneering hybrid failure analysis model that integrate the Variable Weighted Synthesis Analytic Hierarchy Process (VWS-AHP) with the conventional Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methodology. The primary objective is to enhance the comprehension of failure modes within marine engineering systems, particularly focusing on alternative propulsion systems. While conventional FMEA is a widely employed methodology for analysis of failure modes, its capacity and effectiveness can be further augmented by integrating complementary techniques. The proposed hybrid model combines the robustness of FMEA in identifying failure modes with the VWS-AHP method’s ability to handle complex decision-making scenarios involving multiple criteria and varying levels of importance. This integration affords a comprehensive framework to assess failure risks, prioritize critical failure pathways, and evaluate the potential impacts of failures in marine engineering systems. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model, we conduct a case study on an alternative propulsion system. The outcomes of the case study showcase the efficacy of the hybrid model in enhancing FMEA.

Report on the 5th International Workshop on Engineering and Cybersecurity of Critical Systems and 2nd International Workshop on Software Vulnerability Management (EnCyCriS/SVM - 2024)

Increasing system interconnectivity, decentralization, and introduction of new, more intelligent technologies, result in critical infrastructures becoming exposed to increased risk of cyber, physical, and combine cyber-physical attacks. Cyber-attacks on critical systems can inflict severe consequences on to people, society, economy, and national security, and can have adverse effects on safety and reliability of critical infrastructures. The joint EnCyCriS-SVM workshop facilitates discourse and discussion among researchers, practitioner, and students who are working on challenges and solutions related to the industrial revolution. Focus is given on sharing industry experience and project results pertaining to cyber threats on critical systems; secure software engineering; and attack detection and response mechanisms.

Investigating thermal conduction dynamics in ternary Carreau–Yasuda nanofluids under convective boundary conditions and exponential heat source/sink effects

The analysis of the Carreau–Yasuda nanofluid (CYNF) across a stretching surface has practical applications in several fields, such as heat exchange, engineering, and material science. Scholars may discover novel perspectives for increasing heat transfer performance, establishing advanced materials, and enhancing the efficiency of multiple engineering systems by studying the behavior of CYNF in this particular instance. The energy transfer through trihybrid CYNF flow with the effect of magnetic dipole across a stretching sheet is examined in the present study. The ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF) has been prepared by the addition of ternary nanoparticles (NPs) in the water (50%) and ethylene glycol (50%). Titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are used in base fluid. The fluid velocity and heat transfer are examined under the impact of Darcy–Forchheimer, chemical reaction, convective condition, activation energy, and exponential heat source. The fluid flow has been stated in form of velocity, energy, and concentration equations. The set of modeled equations is simplified to non-dimensional form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using similarity substitutions. Numerically, the system of lowest order ODEs is calculated through the parametric continuation method. It has been noticed that the temperature field augments against the variation of viscous dissipation and heat source term. Furthermore, the magnetic dipole has significant impact to enhance the thermal curve of THNF whereas falloffs the velocity profile. It can be noticed that the energy propagation rate enhances with the rising numbers of ternary NPs, from 1.22% to 5.98% (nanofluid), 2.30% to 9.61% (hybrid nanofluid), and 3.23% to 11.12% (trihybrid nanofluid).

New horizons in systems engineering and thinking to improve health and social care for older people.

Existing models for the safe, timely and effective delivery of health and social care are challenged by an ageing population. Services and care pathways are often optimised for single-disease management, while many older people are presenting with multiple long-term conditions and frailty. Systems engineering describes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to change that is focused on people, system understanding, design and risk management. These principles are the basis of many established quality improvement (QI) tools in health and social care, but implementation has often been limited to single services or condition areas. Newer engineering techniques may help reshape more complex systems. Systems thinking is an essential component of this mindset to understand the underlying relationships and characteristics of a working system. It promotes the use of tools that map, measure and interrogate the dynamics of complex systems. In this New Horizons piece, we describe the evolution of systems approaches while noting the challenges of small-scale QI efforts that fail to address whole-system problems. The opportunities for novel soft-systems approaches are described, along with a recent update to the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model, which includes human-centred design. Systems modelling and simulation techniques harness routine data to understand the functioning of complex health and social care systems. These tools could support better-informed system change by allowing comparison of simulated approaches before implementation, but better effectiveness evidence is required. Modern systems engineering and systems thinking techniques have potential to inform the redesign of services appropriate for the complex needs of older people.

Requirements Statements Are Transfer Functions: An Insight from Model‐Based Systems Engineering

ABSTRACTTraditional systems engineering pays attention to careful composition of prose requirements statements. Even so, prose appears less than what is needed to advance the art of systems engineering into a theoretically based engineering discipline comparable to electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Ask three people to read a set of prose requirements statements, and a universal experience is that there will be three different impressions of their meaning. The rise of model‐based systems engineering might suggest the demise of prose requirements, but we argue otherwise. This paper shows how prose requirements can be productively embedded in and a valued formal part of requirements models. This leads to the practice‐impacting insight that requirements statements can be non‐linear extensions of linear transfer functions, shows how their ambiguity can be further reduced using ordinary language, how their completeness or overlap more easily audited, and how they can be “understood” more completely by engineering tools.

Failure Analysis: Insights from Model‐Based Systems Engineering

ABSTRACTProcesses for system failure analysis (for example, FMEA) are structured, well‐documented, and supported by tools. Nevertheless, we hear complaints that FMEA work feels (1) too labor intensive to encourage engagement, (2) somewhat arbitrary in identifying issues, (3) overly sensitive to the skills and background of the performing team, and (4) not building enough confidence of fully identifying the risks of system failure. In fairness to experts in the process, perhaps such complaints come from those less experienced — but even so, we should care how to describe this process to encourage better technical and experience outcomes. This paper shows how model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) answers these challenges by deeper and novel integration with requirements and design. Just as MBSE powered the requirements discovery process past its earlier, more subjective performance, so also can MBSE accelerate understanding and performance of failure risk analysis — as a discipline deeply connected within the systems engineering process.

Feelings and Physics: Emotional, Psychological, and Other Soft Human Requirements, by Model‐Based Systems Engineering

ABSTRACTTraditionally, engineering encourages requirements statements that are objective, testable, quantitative, atomic descriptions of system technical behavior. But what about “soft” requirements? When products deliver psychologically or emotionally based human experiences, subjective descriptions may frustrate engineers. This challenge is important for products appealing to senses of style, enjoyment, fulfillment, stimulation, power, safety, awareness, comfort, or similar emotional or psychological factors. Automobiles, buildings, consumer products, packaging, graphic user interfaces, airline passenger compartments and flight decks, and hospital equipment provide typical examples. This paper shows how model‐based systems engineering helps solve three related problems: (1) integrating models of “soft” human experience with hard technical product requirements, (2) describing how to score traditional “hard” technology products in terms of “fuzzier” business and competitive marketplace issues, and (3) coordinating marketing communication and promotion with the design process. The resulting framework integrates the diverse perspectives of engineers, stylists, industrial designers, human factors experts, and marketing professionals.

Innovation Ecosystem Dynamics, Value and Learning I: What Can Hamilton Tell Us?

ABSTRACTHeld in Dublin, Ireland, IS2024 invites us to refresh understanding of contributions to systems engineering by Ireland's greatest mathematician— Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805–1865), professor of astronomy at Trinity College Dublin and royal astronomer of Ireland. His profound contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) deserve greater systems community attention. Supporting theory and practice, they intersect foundations and applications streams of INCOSE's future of systems engineering (FuSE) program. Strikingly, key aspects apply to systems of all types, including socio‐technical and information systems. Hamilton abstracted the energy‐like generator of dynamics for all systems, while also generalizing momentum. Applied to the INCOSE innovation ecosystem pattern as dynamics of learning, development, and life cycle management, this suggests an architecture for integration of the digital thread and machine learning in innovation enterprises, along with foundations of systems engineering as a dynamical system.

Systematic metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for efficient production of phytohormone abscisic acid

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone with diverse applications. It currently relies on the fermentation of Botrytis cinerea, which suffers from limited availability of genetic engineering tools. Here, Yarrowia lipolytica was engineered to enable de novo biosynthesis of ABA. To overcome the rate-limiting P450 enzymes, systematic engineering strategies were implemented. Firstly, the dissolved oxygen was increased to boost the activity of P450 enzymes. Secondly, the expansion of endoplasmic reticulum was implemented to improve the functional expression of P450 enzymes. Lastly, rate-limiting enzymes were assembled to facilitate substrate trafficking. Moreover, ABA production was further improved by strengthening the mevalonate pathway. Finally, the engineered strain produced 1221.45 mg/L of ABA in a 5-L bioreactor. The study provides effective approaches for alleviating rate-limiting P450 enzymes to enhance ABA production and achieve competitive industrial-level ABA production in Y. lipolytica.

The role of chondroitin sulphate as a potential biomaterial for hepatic tissue regeneration: A comprehensive review.

Chondroitin sulphate is an anionic hetero-polysaccharide, having numerous structural affinities for building the bio-active components. In addition to biodegradable/biocompatible activities, chondroitin sulphate also possesses anti-coagulant/anti-thrombogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant as well as anti-tumor activities. Chondroitin sulphate has an inherited affinity for glycosylation enzymes and receptors, which are overexpressed over degenerated cells and organelles. Because of this affinity, chondroitin sulphate is nominated as an active cellular/subcellular targeted biological macromolecule to assist in site-specific delivery. Chondroitin sulphate is mainly considered a promising biomaterial for drug targeting and tissue engineering due to its specific physicochemical, mechanical, bio-degradation, and biological characteristics. In this review, the fundamental applications of chondroitin sulphate in hepatic tissue engineering are discussed. Chondroitin sulphate along with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based scaffold and hydrogels for biopharmaceuticals' delivery in hepatic tissue engineering are critically discussed. In addition, the manuscript also describes leading features and markers involved in hepatic damage, and the potential role of chondroitin sulphate-based delivery systems in hepatic tissue engineering.

Numerical simulation of miniature high-speed aviation fuel pump using immersed solid method

Abstract Aviation fuel pumps are developing toward lightweight design and high rotational speeds at the same time that vehicles, such as missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), gradually get smaller. To investigate the internal flow field characteristics of a miniature aviation gear pump under conditions of high rotational speed, three-dimensional numerical simulations are conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS CFX. The simulations use the immersed-solid method and employ the SST k-ω turbulence model. The findings reveal that under identical conditions, augmenting the tooth width by 1mm leads to a notable 27.32% increase in the average outlet flow rate and a corresponding enhancement of 7.22% in maximum efficiency. Furthermore, a 2mm increment in tooth width results in a substantial surge of 62.74% in the average outlet flow rate and a significant enhancement of 14.61% in maximum efficiency. Nevertheless, concurrently, the augmentation of tooth width corresponds with a gradual rise in trapped oil pressure and significant deterioration of the internal flow field. The study findings offer valuable insights into the integrated design of the oil supply system and engine components of aerospace engines.

From Sensors to Standardized Financial Reports: A Proposed Automated Accounting System Integrating IoT, Blockchain, and XBRL

Modern advances in technology have increased the demand for traditional accounting systems to be upgraded for real-time data processing, security, and standardized reports. Thus, this paper proposes a new accounting information system that integrates IoT, blockchain, and XBRL. The proposed system aims to automate the accounting process by using IoT to collect data and send it automatically to a blockchain, which acts as a database that will generate journal entries automatically through smart contracts. XBRL will then be used as an output method for standardized financial reports based on the data transferred from the blockchain. This paper uses a qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews with 13 industry experts from IT engineering, academia, and financial systems analysis. NVivo software was used to conduct a thematic analysis of interview transcripts. The findings demonstrated that integrating IoT, blockchain, and XBRL is technically feasible, with significant potential to enhance accounting systems. Additionally, the findings identified key challenges of the proposed system, including the complexity of integration, data validation across technologies, costs, user adoption, and scalability concerns. However, the results showed that this system offers substantial benefits, such as real-time data capture from IoT devices, secure data storage and immutability through blockchain, standardized financial reporting via XBRL, accounting process automation, improved data accuracy, and enhanced security and transparency in financial reporting. The study also identified an optimal mechanism for ensuring seamless data transmission between these technologies. The study makes a valuable contribution to the accounting field by providing a new framework for automating data collection, enhancing data security, and streamlining financial reporting, with significant potential to advance accounting systems and improve transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in financial reporting. The study’s potential to impact accounting systems and financial reporting research and practice emphasizes its importance.

Production of L-lactic acid from methanol by engineered yeast Pichia pastoris.

Lactic acid (LA) serves as a widely used platform compound and has received significant attention as a raw material for synthesis of biodegradable polylactic acid. Currently, LA is mainly produced through microbial fermentation, but its high costs undermine its competitive advantage against other materials, necessitating the development of novel production routes. Methanol bioconversion represents an emerging low-carbon circular economy, where LA could become an outstanding representative product. This study successfully established an efficient methanol-based LA synthesis route in Pichia pastoris. Through systematic metabolic engineering strategies, including screening lactate dehydrogenase, modification of cofactor preference, blocking LA consumption pathway, and mitochondrial LA synthesis compartmentalization, 4.2 g/L L-LA was produced in fed-batch fermentation by using methanol as the sole carbon source. Through multi-dimensional and spatial engineering of enzyme, a cell factory was developed for efficient synthesis of L-LA, highlights the significant potential of the low-carbon synthesis route for L-LA via methanol bioconversion.

Model-Based Systems Engineering Requires Metamodel Renovation: Requirements for Metamodel Renovation

Model-Based Systems Engineering Requires Metamodel Renovation: Requirements for Metamodel Renovation

Towards Integrated Safety Assurance Methodology for Autonomous Vessel Navigation Systems

Abstract Safety assurance remains paramount for the realization of autonomous vessels. A robust assurance methodology that can provide traceability throughout the design and verification process is necessary to demonstrate safety equivalence to that of conventional ships. However, there are few references that propose a holistic safety assurance scheme for autonomous ships, using actual engineering processes of ships as examples. This study proposes a design and development method for an autonomous navigation system that integrates Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and several verification methods including simulation-based tests to develop a comprehensive safety assurance scheme. This safety assurance scheme is being conducted as a case study for a newly constructed autonomous vessel. First, STPA can be performed on the conceptual design established by MBSE to extract additional safety requirements from the identified loss scenarios. Focusing on the process model in the loss scenario description leads to a deeper understanding of the system behavior. FMEA in addition identify potential component failure modes and their impact on system safety. The multi-level requirements that emerge from these activities are validated in test scenarios. Simulators are used to evaluate whether the autonomous navigation system’s safety can meet predefined pass criteria in some of the scenarios. These activities ensure traceability from safety goals to design decisions, allowing design changes and their impact on safety to be evaluated throughout the development lifecycle and allowing for more systematic ongoing monitoring during operations.

A Systems Engineering Approach to Program Risk Management

A Systems Engineering Approach to Program Risk Management