Sustainability in System Architectures through Reconfigurability: A Case Study of Planetary Surface Vehicles
- Paper number
IAC-05-D3.3.03
- Author
Dr. Afreen Siddiqi, Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Olivier de Weck, Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Traditionally, space systems have been built for pre-defined missions, fixed requirements, and optimized for highest performance. Sustainable system architectures however need to be affordable, ensure delivery of value, minimize risk, and adapt to new requirements. Reconfigurability in systems can be a means for achieving these desirable characteristics. Currently, there is no formal methodology for studying reconfigurability issues in system architecture and design. This paper presents such a methodology and investigates how reconfigurability can be a means for adding value, and mitigating risk. As a specific case study, reconfigurable planetary surface vehicles for human exploration of moon and mars are analyzed. It is assumed that reconfigurability is primarily desired in the system to maximize utility through multi-functionality (and thereby reduce total mass required to be transported to planetary surface). Reconfiguration of system operand, operand attribute, function, and function attribute are studied. A methodology for determining the ‘optimal reconfigurable design’ is presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D3.3.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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