A system of systems interface hazard analysis technique

Abstract

The next generation of military capabilities will hinge on systems of systems technologies, entailing the integration of numerous large scale systems into a complex system of systems whose capability exceeds the capabilities of the individual systems. The increase in capability is due to the emergent properties of the system of systems. However, these emergent properties also introduce hazards that must be adequately dealt with before the system of systems can be employed. The current state of hazard analysis processes is insufficient to deal with the complexity and size of a system of systems. This thesis aims to define the nature and types of hazards associated with systems of systems and to define a technique for identifying specific hazards within a system of systems. In addition to developing a theoretical process, this thesis applies it to a real world case study, the Ballistic Missile Defense System. A software application was developed to prove the concept of the hazard analysis technique. The technique has been designed from the top down to be compatible with current system safety processes and as such, is directly compatible with systems of systems currently in development and familiar to practicing system safety engineers.