HOW CLASSIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS MUST CHANGE TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR USE IN SHIP DESIGN

摘要

Systems engineering is being used increasingly in ship design. Classic Systems Engineering is primarily concerned with function, and the analysis of systems providing functional objectives to ensure they satisfy defined requirements. A physical solution is developed as late as possible, and may be changed at any time if validation and verification show non-conformance to requirements. In classic ship design, a solution is agreed and selected from possible and affordable options during concept design. The design is then continually refined, illustrated in the form of a 'design spiral'. Function is not the key driver in ship design, and major change is not practical in the design cycle. To be effective in ship design, Systems Engineering must simultaneously address the limitations defined by design spiral activities and non-functional or intangible issues alongside functional performance of a system, or system of systems. This paper presents a methodology for clear, unambiguous requirements, developed and understood by both the customer and the designer, and an argumentation framework to ensure all aspects of design uncertainty are addressed at the same time as functional considerations. Following an overview of Systems Engineering, and identifying problems when applied to ship design, it concludes by presenting a modified Systems Engineering process to address non-functional constraints alongside functional performance, and the idiosyncrasies of ship design.