Functional Modular Design: Towards a Methodology for Managing Uncertainty

摘要

This paper presents the concept for a methodology, Functional Modular Design (FMD), being developed to assist systems engineers to manage technical, operational and commercial uncertainties as they develop systems concepts. This methodology is being developed and refined through an iterative process of reviewing design practice involving modularity, proposing elements of the methodology and conducting industry case studies. This process is described and an example of a case study is presented. The FMD method consists of a three-phase process of using guidelines to synthesise a candidate design concept, a life cycle cost (LCC) analysis based on many possible operational scenarios and the identification of areas for system improvement. A set of four basic FMD guidelines are presented and their application discussed. The wider implications for this approach in systems engineering are explored.