A Design Structure Matrix Approach to Designing Complex Systems, A National
Airspace System Application
Jamaal Lipscomb
April 21, 2023
Overview Purpose Motivation Dependency Structure Matrix Categories Techniques Conceptual Model Component Based Example Why Clustering Potential Application Analysis Framework Conclusion
Purpose
Application of the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) for modeling the complex systems
– Analysis of DSM application for improved and realistic transition strategy
– Identification of interdependencies and redundancies between system elements
– Decrease system design complexity and improve efficiency and cost during the design process
Motivation
There is a need for improved system modeling techniques that can assist in the modernization of the systems
– Identify system element interdependencies– Improve system performance– Reduce system development costs– Improve schedule performance
Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM)
Can be used to:• Analyze and manage complex systems• Provide a method for the user to model, visualize,
and analyze the dependencies among the entities of any system
• Derive improvement for synthesis of a system• Display the relationship between components of a
system in a compact, visual, and analytically advantageous form
DSM provides a comprehensive system view of the project architecture and technology choices
Categories
There are two main categories of DSMs:• Static
– Represent system elements existing simultaneously, such as components of a product architecture or groups in an organization
• Time-Based– Ordering of rows and columns represent a flow through
time: upstream activities in a process precede downstream activities, and terms like “feedforward” and “feedback” become meaningful when referring to interfaces
TechniquesDSM Data Types Representation Application Analysis Method
DSM Data Types Representation Application Analysis Method
Task-based Task/Activity input/output relationships
Project scheduling, activity sequencing, cycle time reduction
Partitioning, Tearing, Banding
Parameter-based
Parameter decision points and necessary precedents
Low level activity sequencing and process construction
Partitioning, Tearing, Banding
Team-based Multi-team interface characteristics
Organizational design, interface management, team integration
Clustering
Component-based
Multi-component relationships
System architecting, engineering and design
Clustering
The DSM developed as part of this study will be analyzed using the clustering technique. This is a valuable technique for examining the structure of a system.
Conceptual Model
Design Structure Matrices (DSMs)
Design Structure Matrices (DSMs)
StaticStatic Time-BasedTime-Based
Component-based DSM
Component-based DSM
People-based DSM
People-based DSM
Activity-basedDSM
Activity-basedDSM
Parameter-basedDSM
Parameter-basedDSM
Component-Based DSM Example
Source: DSMweb.org
Why Clustering Grouping nodes with high interaction into
clusters, interfaces between clusters can be easily identified and allowed for the identification of interactions
Using cost assignment of interactions aid in optimization of the cluster assignment of components
Management and optimization of the interfaces between the clustered components minimizes complexity and cost
Clustering DSM
Source: DSMweb.org
Cluster 1 Front End Air Chunk
Cluster 2 Refrigerant Chunk
Cluster 3 Interior Air Chunk
Potential Application
National Airspace System (NAS):• The NAS is a collection of:
– Automation Systems– Communication Systems– Surveillance Systems– Weather Systems– Navigation Systems
NAS Operational Components
National Airspace System (NAS)• These systems are organized around three types
of facilities:– Airport Towers
– Monitor aircraft on the ground and give take-off and landing clearances
– Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities– Handle aircraft ascending and descending to and from
airports– En Route Centers
– Handle aircraft flying between airports at the higher altitudes
NAS System Architecture
Analysis Framework Since the clustering algorithm randomly selects elements, several runs will be completed under similar conditions so that the data can be analyzed
Data from each of the runs will be compared to identify like clusters
The improvements made by Ronnie Thebeau to the clustering algorithm allows for the analysis of the NAS DSM because it provides an adequate answer for developing a system architecture
Case StudiesTerminal Automations Systems include•Flight Data Systems•Weather Data Systems•Surface Movement Systems
Conclusion As advances in technology are made current systems
are becoming more complex, resulting in:• Redundancy• Complex Interdependencies/interoperability • Higher Cost• Schedule Slips
DSM addresses these challenges by• Identifying system redundancies and interdependencies • Reducing/eliminating functionality overlap• Optimizing system development
Contact InformationJamaal Lipscomb(202) 385-8716
Thomas Holzer, D. [email protected]
Shahryar Sarkani, D. [email protected]
Timothy Eveleigh, D. [email protected]
References continued
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Thebeau, Ronnie E., (2001). “Knowledge Management of System Interfaces and Interactions for Product Development Processes”. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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