Systems Engineering Capstone Project Reports

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Systems Engineering Capstone Project Reports

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Systems Engineering (SE)

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OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS FOR OFFENSIVE MINE WARFARE
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2020-06) Desanto, Christopher R.; Drummond, Jenna L.; Helger, Russell A., Jr.; Mcdonough, Ryan P.; Perry, David; Williams, Richard D., III; Paulo, Eugene P.; Beery, Paul T.; Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE)
Offensive mine warfare (OMW) is an often overlooked and underdeveloped potential benefit to the breadth of options available for current naval forces regarding enemy deterrence. By taking a modified systems engineering Vee approach and applying it to offensive mine warfare, this project provides a definition of existing operational concepts and projects the future potential of this methodology. This project defines two simulations utilizing OMW in both an open-ocean transit mission and an ocean strait escort mission. These mission scenarios help provide the composition of the interconnected system of systems involved with the deployment, loiter, engagement, and recovery functions of offensive mines. An emphasis is placed on the use of Advanced Undersea Weapons Systems to carry out these functions, specifically large-displacement unmanned underwater vehicles. Simulations provided within this project better map the interconnection of the deployment, loiter, engagement, and recovery functions as they pertain to the measures of effectiveness for each mission scenario. By decomposing the major functions of OMW, this project provides the initial framework for the inclusion of offensive mining into the current naval forces’ repertoire of enemy-deterrence options. Additionally, this project’s decomposition of offensive mining in its current iteration provides the framework for a further investigation into the future capabilities of this product.
AN INVESTIGATION OF MEDEVAC AIR CREW COGNITIVE WORKLOAD: USING IMPRINT TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF MODEL GRANULARITY AND AUTOMATION
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2023-06) Brooks, Matthew; Chiu, Wilson; Forsythe, Austin Jr.; Keel, Lindsay E.; Shattuck, Lawrence G.; Nicholson, Matthew C.; Systems Engineering (SE)
The Army Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program is developing a new generation of helicopters. The Holistic Situational Awareness–Decision Making (HSA-DM) project supports the FVL program by investigating technologies that can aid in designing, developing, and integrating systems aimed at managing the cognitive workload of pilots. This study aims to determine how a model’s granularity and the automation of certain tasks affects the pilot and co-pilot’s cognitive workloads. Cognitive walkthroughs and interviews were conducted with five military helicopter pilots to elicit task workload values. An existing Improved Performance Research Integration Tool (IMPRINT) model from a previous study was modified by increasing its granularity, then both models were altered by automating selective tasks, resulting in four distinct models. Each model was run ten times. Average cognitive workload and workload spikes were analyzed for both the pilot and co-pilot. The average cognitive workload was highest for the pilot in the more granular model as greater model granularity contributed to higher spikes. Automation added to the more granular model resulted in the greatest reduction of pilot workload. This analysis establishes a repeatable framework for future studies.
USASOC VALUATION MODEL
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2019-12) Austin, Jacob E.; Dimiero, Thomas A.; Johnson, Derek; Kee, Michael B.; McCurdy, Reuben B.; Sweeney, Joseph W., III; Hernandez, Alejandro S.; Dillard, John T.; Semmens, Robert; Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE)
This report presents the development of a model designed to assist the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in prioritizing its acquisition requirements. Traditional benchmarks for obligations and expenditures from the Office of the Secretary of Defense do not sufficiently address USASOC’s concern for capability in the hands of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator. Existing methods focus on financial metrics instead of capability-based analysis. This report discusses how the team analyzed stakeholder requirements, decomposed them into traceable value measures, and created a working value model: the Capabilities Assessment Value Model (CAVM). The model assesses projects based on the capability the product or system will provide to the warfighter. Previous research on USASOC acquisitions, qualitative and quantitative value modeling, measurement theory, and detailed input from SOF operators and their leadership are the basis for the development of the CAVM. Unique to the CAVM is the model’s ability to generate a value score that enables USASOC to independently rank-order potential investment projects into a fiscal year order of merit list (OML). The model is a novel evaluation tool that integrates into USASOC’s current process yet breaks from the traditional methods of measuring programmatic success. The CAVM provides USASOC with additional decision-making analysis that focuses on the capability provided to the end user.
Drone defense system architecture for U.S. Navy strategic facilities
(Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2017-09) Arteche, David; Chivers, Kenneth; Howard, Bryce; Long, Terrell; Merriman, Walter; Padilla, Anthony; Pinto, Andrew; Smith, Stenson; Thoma, Victoria; Green, John M.; Rhoades, Mark; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Systems Engineering (SE)
Small, commercially available unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are an emergent threat to Navy continental U.S. (CONUS) military facilities. There are many counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) tools focused on neutralization, and many sensors in place. A system-of-systems, defense-in-depth approach to C-UAS requires a central system to connect these new and existing systems. The central system uses data fusion and threat evaluation and weapons assignment (TEWA) to properly address threats. This report follows a systems engineering process to develop a software architecture for that central system, beginning with a requirements analysis, a functional baseline, and the resulting module allocation. A series of simulations in ExtendSim derives the performance requirements by examining the overall C-UAS scenario with currently available technology. Through a sensitivity analysis, the simulation shows that effective engagement range (combination of initial target range, detection range and neutralization range) is the dominant factor driving response time. The architecture modeled in Innoslate provides a discrete event simulation for system performance expectations.
SEABED WARFARE AND THE XLUUV
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2018-06) Carr, Christopher J.; Franco, Jahdiel; Mierzwa, Cheryl; Shattuck IV,Lewis B.; Suursoo, Melissa A.; Williams, Richard D. III; Paulo, Eugene P.; Beery, Paul T.; Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); 311-164S Team Leviathan
Seabed warfare is quickly becoming one of the most important new research areas for the U.S. Navy. Defining seabed warfare is a challenge being faced by many as research continues in this new and innovative field. The problem of developing a concept of operations for performing seabed warfare operating in both offensive and defensive environments is becoming increasingly important as the need to complete kill chains without placing high-value assets at risk rises. With the introduction of the new Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), there is an interest to determine the utility of the XLUUV in performing seabed warfare. There are many potential capabilities to unlock within the seabed warfare field. This report takes the concept of kill box, a three-dimensional area used to facilitate the integration of coordinated joint weapons fire, and applies it to a new domain: undersea. The kill box includes seabed sensors; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) devices; and effects devices. This paper provides a concept of operations for seabed warfare in an undersea kill box with simulation results to determine the utility of the XLUUV.
VALIDATION OF ARCHITECTURE MODELS FOR COORDINATION OF UNMANNED AIR AND GROUND VEHICLES VIA EXPERIMENTATION
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2018-06) Middleton, Wyatt T.; Miller, Gregory A.; Pollman, Anthony G.; Systems Engineering (SE); Jordan, Albert L.
This thesis presents a model-based systems engineering methodology for employing architecture in system analysis (MBSE MEASA) for the cooperation of cross-domain unmanned vehicles conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR). The comprehensive architecture description developed in this paper uses Systems Modeling Language (SysML), which supports the assessment of system requirements for systems engineering. It also uses the Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DoDAF) to expand on the utility of the MEASA methodology, providing an additional level of detail for analyzing collaborative cross-domain unmanned systems performance. The architecture models focus on the interaction between unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and use the relationship of system architecture products and model-based systems engineering analysis to quantify system performance. The applied methodology highlights the feasibility of a UAV-UGV team collaboratively conducting structured, rudimentary tasks in a mission scenario. The result of this research is a validated and executable system architecture for cross-domain collaborative unmanned vehicles. The architecture serves as the conceptual template to guide future research and development of unmanned vehicles.
Mine Safety Detection System (MSDS)
(Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2012-09) Ballard, B.; Degnan, T.; Kipp, M.; Johnson, J.; Miller, D.; Minto, M.; Green, John M.; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Systems Engineering (SE); Burns, Daniel
The search, detection, identification and assessment components of the U.S. Navys organic modular in-stride Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) have been evaluated for their effectiveness as part of a hypothetical exercise in response to the existence of sea mines placed in the sea lanes of the Strait of Hormuz. The current MCM CONOPS has been shown to be capable of supporting the mine search and detection effort component allocation needs by utilizing two Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) deployed systems. This adequacy assessment is tenuous. The CONOPS relies heavily upon the Sikorsky MH- 60/S as the sole platform from which the systems operate. This reliance is further compounded by the fact both AMCM systems are not simultaneously compatible on board the MH-60/S. As such, resource availability will challenge the MCM CONOPS as well as the other missions for which the MH-60/S is intended. Additionally, the AMCM CONOPS systems are dependent upon the presence of warfighters in the helicopters above the minefield and as integral participants in the efforts to identify sea mines and to assess their threat level. Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) techniques have been combined with research and stakeholder inputs in an analysis that supports these assertions.m
Analysis of energy efficiencies and source tradespace in an A2/AD seabase-to-shore operation with an asymmetric threat
(Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2016-12) Cevallos, Reniery; Hoff, Jeremy; Martinez-Casiano, Jose; McCrorey, Keith; Robinson, Will; Paulo, Eugene P.; Sweeney, Joseph; Beery, Paul; Team East, Systems Engineering Cohort 311-152O; Systems Engineering (SE)
This capstone project supported the mission of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O) for development and assessment of solutions that increase the energy efficiency of USMC operations in an antiaccess/area denial (A2/AD) mission. Primarily, this study analyzed energy efficiency during USMC seabase-to-shore operations by developing an operational model to determine the best combination of connectors among all feasible combinations within the selected seabase. This capstone concluded that mission objectives for throughput and fuel consumption during operations could not be met in all scenarios by all connector combinations, and identified why certain combinations of connectors had better broad utility and operational effectiveness. The secondary objective of this study was the exploration of new and alternative energy generation methods that are employable by the USMC, which maximize energy efficiency of Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) operations at the shore site. Evaluation criteria were used to investigate feasible alternative energy sources that could support the power generation of the MAGTF operations. This capstone concluded that alternative energy technologies, when combined with diesel-electric generators, helped reduce fuel consumption of the MAGTF operations, and identified their availability and effectiveness for meeting energy goals.
MEDIUM DISPLACEMENT UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLE AND OVER-THE-HORIZON TARGETING IN DISTRIBUTED MARITIME OPERATIONS
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2019-09) Honecker, Grant O.; Minneman, Michael T.; Parrott, Dylan O.; Saalwaechter, David M.; Paulo, Eugene P.; Beery, Paul T.; Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE)
As the U.S. Navy continues the development of the Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MDUSV), a doctrinal shift of the surface fleet necessitates examining potential manned-unmanned teaming mission sets within the construct of Distributed Maritime Operations. Utilizing systems engineering for architectural development, discrete-event simulation, and analysis, this capstone report evaluates MDUSV performance of an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting mission in support of a 2–3 ship Adaptive Force Package’s over-the-horizon surface strike. The results indicate that there is a large benefit associated with utilizing passive sensors on MDUSVs in lieu of an active radar and that the magnitude of this benefit increases when lofting the passive sensors on towed airborne arrays. Extensions to MDUSV communications and operating ranges, in some configurations, led to detections of the enemy further from friendly manned vessels, but decreased the survivability and lethality of the main body when these ranges eclipsed the lowest ranged surface-strike weapons in the inventory. Additionally, while overall effectiveness increased with an offensive jammer on MDUSV, defensive countermeasures provided no discernible improvement to the Adaptive Force Package’s performance.
DEVELOPING AN ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK TO AID THE INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND (IMCOM) - PACIFIC REGION'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY
(Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2019-12) Albahari, Samuel B.; Doane, Travers; Hines, Andrew S.; Miskowski, Matthew W.; Williams, James R., II; Sweeney, Joseph W., III; Hernandez, Alejandro S.; Wade, Brian M.; Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE); Systems Engineering (SE)
Garrison commanders at Army installations have the authority to choose in which programs to invest. Installation Management Command (IMCOM)-Pacific wants to inform these funding decisions through a structured assessment process that incorporates relevant metrics. While IMCOM-Pacific has collected some data metrics, it is not clearly linked to the Army Community Service (ACS) office’s primary objective of “increasing soldier readiness.” This capstone project treats the IMCOM-Pacific ACS office as a system and utilizes a systems engineering approach to decompose the system’s functions and objectives to assess the value of each program under the ACS office. The resulting framework provides the ACS office a reusable, defendable model that traces measurable attributes to the overarching objective. This quantitative value model assists the ACS office in ranking programs with regard to the overarching objective and developing an appropriate investment strategy. The project team delivered a spreadsheet with step-by-step instructions for the construction of a notional value model, which is applicable to other IMCOM garrisons. This capstone may also support future work for an optimization model that maximizes the value of an investment strategy.