Simulation methods for the development of modular strategic guidance systems

Abstract

The traditional approach to simulation-based system design results in a stovepiped development process where subsystems are developed independently and integration requirements are then levied on the system architecture. For applications like the MK6 Life Extension program, where a modular system architecture is the primary design goal, this method of simulation-based design is inadequate. Sponsored by the System Engineering System Design and Analysis Group at the Draper Laboratory, this thesis proposes an alternate top-down approach to simulation-based design, where the system architecture is established first, and the system is developed in an integrated fashion. Through this approach, the modularity requirements are then levied on the subsystems according to the integrated system architecture. In this thesis, a system-level simulation concept is developed via this approach to facilitate analysis of key guidance system design issues and evaluation of integrated system requirements. The simulation concept, which utilizes existing modeling and simulation tools, is validated through the design of a candidate guidance system and its usefulness is illustrated via selected guidance system modularity studies.