Exploring the Test and Evaluation Space using Model Based Conceptual Design (MBCD) Techniques

Abstract

During the initial concept development phase, systems engineers focus on defining the problem space and system functions to explore candidate concepts that may address the systems engineers' problems. Model-based conceptual design (MBCD) techniques may be used to assist the customer and other stakeholders develop a greater understanding of the system concept, as well as identifying areas in the system that are affected by changes in requirements. This approach has generally been documented for describing the system concept in the early stages in the lifecycle, without significant focus on the test and evaluation (T&E) space that would be needed to evaluate these concepts, or identifying where the T&E space would be affected with a change in requirements. Our hypothesis is that decision makers would equally gain insight into the T&E considerations as well as system space considerations using MBCD techniques. An approach is offered to extend the previously published MBCD methodology to better consider the T&E space.