Modeling and Simulation Support for System of Systems Engineering Applications

Chapter 3Composability

Michael C. Jones

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, USA

Amateurs study tactics; professionals study logistics

—unknown

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Composability can be defined as “the capability to select and assemble simulation components in various combinations into simulation systems” (Petty and Weisel, 2003a). It is at the heart of modeling and simulation (M&S) for System of Systems (SoS) Engineering (SoSE). In some sense, composability can be viewed as the M&S analogy to SoSE. SoSE focuses on combining heterogeneous independent systems to create a larger system capable of providing new, hopefully expanded capability. Composability focuses on combining heterogeneous independent simulation systems into one larger simulation system. Frequently, a model, or several models, exists for each of the systems that will be combined into the SoS (Jamshidi, 2009b). Just as simulation is a fundamental tool for the systems engineer, composability allows for the creation of federations of simulation systems that become a fundamental tool for the SoSE. Composability, when done correctly, allows the SoSE to combine the simulations of the constituent systems into a single simulation or a federation of simulations that represents the SoS and allows the SoSE to gain insight into the SoS and its behavior. Composability, when done incorrectly, can lead to serious errors and improper inclusions.

3.1.1 Chapter Organization

An M&S engineer working on a traditional ...