Got Phenomena? Science-Based Disciplines for Emerging Systems Challenges

Engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical) sometimes argue their fields have “real physical phenomena”, “hard science” based laws, and first principles, claiming systems engineering lacks equivalent phenomenological foundation. We argue the opposite, and how replanting systems engineering in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) / pattern-based systems engineering (PBSE) supports emergence of new hard sciences and phenomena-based domain disciplines.

Supporting this perspective is the system phenomenon, wellspring of engineering opportunities and challenges. Governed by Hamilton's principle, it is a traditional path for derivation of equations of motion or physical laws of so-called “fundamental” physical phenomena of mechanics, electromagnetics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.

We argue that laws and phenomena of traditional disciplines are less fundamental than the system phenomenon from which they spring. This is a practical reminder of emerging higher disciplines, with phenomena, first principles, and physical laws. Contemporary examples include ground vehicles, aircraft, marine vessels, and biochemical networks; ahead are health care, distribution networks, market systems, ecologies, and the IoT.