Michael Henshaw

Aeroelastic Calculations for the Hawk Aircraft Using the Euler Equations

This paper demonstrates coupled time-domain computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) and computationalstructural-dynamics simulations for flutter analysis of a real aircraft in the transonic regime. It is shown that a major consideration for a certain class of structural models is the transformation method, which is used to pass information between the fluid and structural grids. The aircraft used for the calculations is the BAE Systems Hawk. A structural model, which has been developed by BAE Systems for simplified linear flutter calculations, only has a requirement for O(10) degrees of freedom. There is a significant mismatch between this and the surface grid on which loads and deflections are defined in the CFD calculation. This paper extends the constant volume tetrahedron tranformation, previously demonstrated for wing-only aeroelastic calculations, to multicomponent, or full aircraft, cases and demonstrates this for the Hawk. A comparison is made with the predictions of a linear flutter code.

Comparison of static and dynamic fluid-structure interaction solutions in the case of a highly flexible modern transport aircraft wing

Abstract This paper describes the computational work performed by five of the fifteen partners in the Brite-Euram project UNSI, for the prediction of static aeroelastic configurations and dynamic flutter response at transonic conditions, using advanced time-domain fluid-structure coupling methods. The aerodynamic models, mechanical models, and coupling strategies implemented in the different solvers are presented. A code to code validation of the fluid-structure coupled solvers has been achieved in the case of the highly flexible MDO wing. The coupled codes have each been used first for the computation of steady state flow and static deformations at different flight conditions. The investigation of flutter has been carried out for off-design, heavy-cruise flight conditions, using time-consistent numerical simulations. Dynamic responses have been recorded and compared for stable and flutter conditions.

An Holistic View of UK Military Capability Development

Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) is the dominant theme of proposed changes to UK defence acquisition, but progress has been hindered by a lack of agreed interpretations for key concepts. This paper provides some clarity for Capability, Network Enabled Capability (NEC), TLCM, and Affordability and notes, in particular, the fractal nature of capability. Through stakeholder analysis and concept maps, we identify some of the major challenges associated with TLCM. These include affordability (which is the motivation for TLCM but may also be its stumbling block); the increased priority of agility, adaptability, and flexibility in capability planning; and the need for appropriate TLCM metrics. The lack of an explicit learning mechanism within the capability planning process is also a major deficiency, because TLCM relies on effective knowledge management. The changing role of industry is considered and the need for an holistic view of capability is emphasised.

System of Systems: “Defining the system of interest”

This paper proposes a multi-dimensional framework approach to defining the System of Interest (SOI) for System of Systems (SoS). A number of dimensions are described in detail, enabling development of a more comprehensive model that illustrates the relationships between these dimensions in SoS. The resultant framework model is evaluated using 2 practical case studies in the domains of Defence and ICT to indicate the applicability and suitability of the proposed approach. The potential benefits of the framework are described within the context of the case studies, in conjunction with the limitations of this initial framework. A brief description of intended further research is provided giving some insight into future development of the framework.

The role of human factors in addressing Systems of Systems complexity

Systems of Systems (SoS) can be described as a class of complex systems whose constituents are, themselves, complex [1]. They are characterised [2] as being composed of many heterogeneous systems that are geographically distributed; independently managed and/or operated; evolve over time; and exhibit emergent behaviour. There is a need to better understand the enterprise nature of the domains (e.g. defence, utilities, and transport) to enable human participants in such systems to cope more effectively with the increase in complexity that SoS imply. Current methods and approaches in Human Factors (HF) are inadequate in addressing SoS aspects associated with technical and organisational complexity. In this paper we argue that there is an urgent need to develop HF capabilities as a key mechanism for coping with the complexity of SoS.

Identification of Induced Complexity in Product Service System Enterprises

At present, there is a trend toward developing a product service system business model for complex products, and many traditional manufacturing organizations are transforming to product service systems. In general, this will lead to greater dependency between certain organizations within multiorganization enterprises which will, in turn, induce complexity. The role matrix technique has been applied as a decision support tool for organizational transformation. This article shows its usefulness in an enterprise context and, through a case study in particular, in the product service system context. An analysis of a number of previous case studies has indicated how the role matrix technique characterizes types of industry, and the focus case study of product service system transformation in the transport sector is shown to include manufacturing and service structure, which leads to considerable induced complexity. The article concludes by showing how the role matrix technique is a useful decision support technique for managers engaged in enterprise transformation and, for the specific case study considered, how complexity may be induced during the product service system transformation.

Towards a Systems of Systems Engineering EU Strategic Research Agenda

This paper presents the work undertaken so far in the formulation of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for research in Systems of Systems Engineering in the EU. The T-AREA-SoS project is introduced to provide a context, together with a section on Drivers for Change which the SRA needs to take into account. The strategy and process for the generation of the SRA is described, followed by details of outputs to date and the potential benefits it is believed would accrue from the implementation of the SRA.

Formalisation and mapping of terminologies for Systems of Systems Engineering thesaurus

The emergence of Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) poses challenges to the consistent use of terminology within and/or across heterogeneous sectors such as transport, energy and defence. In preparation for Horizon 2020, an €80 billion financial instrument running from 2014 to 2020 to implement the Europe 2020 strategy, the European Commission funded T-AREA-SoS project to formulate a strategic research agenda for SoSE that spans US and Europe activities. As part of T-AREA-SoS, a thesaurus will be created to ensure that SoS concepts and terms are consistently interpreted, and to provide an artefact that will be of significant assistance to planners of future programmes in SoSE. This paper proposes an approach for the formalisation and mapping of terminologies for a SoSE thesaurus development. This paper also discusses the theoretical foundations and exemplars of this applied approach in addition to the user interface specification for a proposed web-based thesaurus development.

Systems of Systems Engineering: A research imperative

Systems of Systems Engineering constitutes a major challenge for the 21st Century and research into this topic has become an imperative. The Support Action, T-AREA-SoS has been initiated by the European Commission to develop a research agenda in Systems of Systems (SoS) that will inform future investment in this area. Through an extensive consultation and review, a number of SoS capability gaps have been identified. Through structuring and subsequent consultation, these have been developed into twelve research themes the detailed areas of which are mapped to the three SoS characteristics of control, evolution, and emergent behaviour. A framework is presented through which researchers can develop a research campaign in SoS.

Scenario-based design and evaluation for capability

Scenarios are frequently used within techniques for planning and designing systems. They are an especially helpful means of visualizing and understanding the incorporation of new systems within systems of systems. If used as the basis for decisions about candidate designs, then it is important that such decisions can be rationalized and quantitative assessment is particularly important. In this paper, an approach for developing complex scenarios, which incorporates the phases of systems development and deployment, is presented and a quantitative method of comparison is described. This approach is based on the development of measures of merit and measures of performance. The techniques are illustrated using cases that are relevant to Network Enabled Capability.