Modeling and Simulation Support for System of Systems Engineering Applications

Chapter 7Model Methodology for a Department of Defense Architecture Design

R. William Maule

Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, USA

7.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, we briefly discuss common modeling practices as applied in the Department of Defense (DoD) for system of systems (SoS) architecture design and development. SoS architectures are prevalent throughout the DoD, and the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) models provide the reference for systems integration. Formal processes and models found throughout DoDAF serve as guides for architecture development and SoS integration.

DoDAF can be used to satisfy the principal characteristics of a SoS, as described by Maier in Chapter 2 of this text. DoD systems are designed to operate independently so that a failure will not cascade—yet at the same time be highly interoperable to enable data integration across wide geographic regions. Collectively, services of these independent yet highly integrated systems support decision makers with information beyond what is available from the individual systems—the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts. Additionally, this approach enables the enterprise SoS to evolve with the addition of each new independent and interoperable system component.

While overwhelming to most of us at first glance, the rationale for DoDAF for SoS engineering is straightforward. First is the complexity of extremely large systems integration projects and the need for a broad and deep model ...