Multidisciplinary System
Design Optimization Using
Model-Based Engineering to
Support Phased Array Antenna
Architectural Trades
April 17-19, 2018
John Hodge
RF/Antenna Engineer
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
Baltimore, MD
Phoenix Integration International Users’ Conference
Approved For Public Release #18-0280; Unlimited Distribution
Outline
I. What is Model-Based Engineering (MBE)?
II. Objectives & Value Proposition of
Analytical MBE
III. Using MBE to Apply MSDO to Antenna
System Design
IV. Using Data Science, Analytics, and
Optimization for Trade Space Exploration
V. System Trades, Mission Visualization, &
Cost Model Integration
VI. MBE Analytical Services: An Idea to
Expand MBE Analytics
VII. Conclusions Link to
System
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What is Model-Based Engineering?
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What is Model-Based Engineering?
Definition: Model Based Engineering (MBE) is the use of analysis and
simulation tools throughout the product lifecycle to reduce the use of
physical prototypes. In addition, MBE supports critical design decisions
by allowing organizations to evaluate trade-offs between performance,
cost, and risk. It also enables the identification and correction of potential
problems before they become too costly.
MBE provides engineers the capability to:
• Create and maintain a library of analysis models and engineering
workflows
• Perform multi-domain trade studies and ask “what-if” questions
• Visualize the design space and find the best designs
• Archive, manage, and share the resulting data and meta-data
MBE results in shorter development times, reduced costs, and better products
4 Source: Phoenix Integration (https://www.phoenix-int.com/application/mbe-model-based-engineering/)
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Model-Based Engineering: Descriptive vs.
Analytical Modeling
A Complete Model-Based Systems Engineering Solution Integrates &
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Connects Both Descriptive and Analytical Models
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Objectives & Value Proposition of
Analytical MBE
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Objectives of This Work
• Develop an integrated, modular, and
reconfigurable analytical cost-
performance model of a phased-array
antenna for EW, radar, and
communication systems
• Perform combined aperture, module,
and power system analysis using the
subsystem hardware MBE Integrated
Antenna Model
• Connect antenna model to system &
mission modeling, simulation, and
analysis frameworks to enable mission-
level trade space exploration
• Extend lessons learned into Northrop
Grumman’s corporate modeling,
simulation, and analysis initiatives using
MBE
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Digitally Connecting Models for System
Optimization – Value Proposition
• Typical Challenge for RF Sensor System Design (Radar, EW, MF, etc.)
– Customer need for certain system or mission performance
– Customer constraints for example in cost, weight, space, available power
• Non-Connected Solution
– Individual performance models: Weight, Power, Performance, Reliability, …
– Separate Descriptive Models: Architecture, Redundancy
– System optimization for all constraints difficult, time consuming, and error prone
– Typically takes multiple days to determine performance of a single solution
• Digitally Integrated & Connected Solution
– Automates connections between related models and eliminates transcription error
– Performance of a single solution can be performed in seconds, minutes (depending
on complexity of individual models)
– Ability to apply multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO)
techniques to system development & trade studies
Integrated & Connected Analytical Models are Needed to Manage
8 Increasing System Complexity in the Design & Development Process
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Applying Model-Based Engineering Techniques
to Antenna Array and Radar Design
• Improved technical communication
• Improved design quality
• Increased productivity
• Reduced design & execution risk
*From INCOSE: Why do MBSE? (2012)
Using Integrated Analytical Models to Identify System Configurations
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that Provide the Best Cost, Performance, & Risk Trade
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MBE Enhances the Engineering Product Dev
Process and Speeds Up Design Iteration
Pre-Proposal Program Detailed
Trade Studies Design Efforts
10 * From MIT ESD 77: Prof. de Weck and Prof. Willcox
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Using MBE to Apply MSDO to
Antenna System Design
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Multidisciplinary System Design Optimization
(MSDO) Framework Enhances Product Design
Phased Simulated
Array Performance of
Antenna Customer
System Requirements,
Parameters Financials, and
Risk
* From MIT ESD 77: Prof. de Weck and Prof. Willcox
MBE Enables Faster Simulation Iteration Time Enabling Broader Trade Space
12 Exploration, Increased Design Variables, and Mission Effectiveness Design Evaluation
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Antenna Array Multi-Disciplinary Model
Interdependence
From NGMS Consulting RF Engineer
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Using Data Science, Analytics,
and Optimization for Trade
Space Exploration
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System Trades, Mission
Visualization, & Financial Modeling
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MBE Analytical Services: An Idea
to Expand MBE Analytics
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Conclusions & Next Steps
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Approved For Public Release #18-0280; Unlimited Distribution
