System Engineering on the USE for Ares I, V: The Simpler, the Better
- Paper number
IAC-08.D2.9.-D1.6.6
- Author
Mr. William Kelly, Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The Ares 1 and Ares V Vehicles will utilize the J-2X rocket engine developed for NASA by the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Company. The J-2X is an improved higher power version of the original J-2 engine used during the Apollo program. With higher power and updated requirements for safety and performance, the J-2X becomes a new engine using state-of-the-art design methodology, materials and manufacturing processes. The implementation of Systems Engineering (SE) principles enables the rapid J-2X development program to remain aligned with the ARES I and V vehicle projects. Meeting the aggressive development schedule is a challenge. Coordinating the best expertise that NASA and PWR have to offer requires effectively utilizing resources at multiple sites. This presents formidable communication challenges. SE allows honest and open discussions of issues and problems. This simple idea is often overlooked in large and complex SE programs. Regular and effective meetings linking SE objectives to component designs are used to voice differences of opinions with customer and contractor in attendance so that the best mutual decisions can be made on the shortest possible schedule. Regular technical interchange meetings on secure program wide computer networks and CM processes are effective in the “Controlled Change” process that exemplifies good SE. Good communication is a key effective SE implementation. The SE-driven approach is the vision of the Constellation Program which facilitates the establishment of dynamic SE processes at all levels including the engine. SE enables requirements evolution by facilitating organizational and process agility. Flow down and distribution of requirements at the engine level is controlled by Allocation Reports which breakdown numerical design objectives (weight, reliability, etc.) into quanta goals for each component area. Linked databases of design and verification requirements helps eliminate redundancy and potential mistakes inherent in separated systems. Another tool, the Architecture Design Description, is being used to control J-2X system architecture and effectively communicate configuration changes to those involved in the design process. But the proof is in successful program accomplishment. The SE is the methodology being used to meet the challenge of completing J-2X engine certification 2 years ahead of any engine program ever developed at PWR. This approach has delivered according to expectations thus far. All major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) have been successfully conducted to satisfy overall project and program objectives using SE as the basis for accomplishment. The paper describes SE tools and techniques utilized to achieve this success.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D2.9.-D1.6.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.