System of Systems Architecting Problems: Definitions, Formulations, and Analysis

The system of systems architecting has many applications in transportation, healthcare, and defense systems design. This study first presents a short review of system of systems definitions. We then focus on capability-based system of systems architecting. In particular, capability-based system of systems architecting problems with various settings, including system flexibility, fund allocation, operational restrictions, and system structures, are presented as Multi-Objective Nonlinear Integer Programming problems. Relevant solution methods to analyze these problems are also discussed

Loading Time Flexibility in Cross-Docking Systems

In this study, we investigate truck-to-door assignment problem for loading outgoing trucks in a cross-docking system with flexible handling times. Specifically, a truck\u27s loading time depends on the number of workers assigned to the outbound door, where the truck is being loaded. An optimization problem is formulated to jointly determine the number of workers and the trucks to be loaded at each door. The resulting problem is a nonlinear integer programming model. Due to the complexity of this model, two evolutionary heuristic methods are proposed for solution. First heuristic method is based on truck assignments while the second heuristic is based on worker assignments. A numerical study is conducted to compare the two heuristic methods

Multiobjective System of Systems Architecting with Performance Improvement Funds

A System of Systems architecting problem aims to determine a selection of systems, which are capable of providing a set of desired capabilities. A SoS architect usually has multiple objectives in generating efficient architectures such as minimization of the total cost and maximization the overall performance of the SoS. This study formulates a biobjective SoS architecting problem with these two objectives. Here, we consider that, by allocating funds to the systems, the SoS architect can improve the performance of the capabilities the systems can provide. The resulting architecting problem is a biobjective mixed-integer linear programming model. Specifically, the system selection decisions are binary while the fund allocation decisions are continuous. We first discuss the application of the adaptive epsilon-constraint method as an exact method for solving this model. Then, we propose an evolutionary method and compare its performance with the exact method. Finally, a numerical study demonstrates the benefits of fund allocation in the SoS architecting process

Combining Max-Min and Max-Max Approaches for Robust SoS Architecting

A System of Systems (SoS) architecting problem requires creating a selection of systems in order to provide a set of capabilities. SoS architecting finds many applications in military/defense projects. In this paper, we study a multi-objective SoS architecting problem, where the cost of the architecture is minimized while its performance is maximized. The cost of the architecture is the summation of the costs of the systems to be included in the SoS. Similarly, the performance of the architecture is defined as the sum of the performance of the capabilities, where the performance of a capability is the sum of the selected systems\u27 contributions towards its performance. Here, nevertheless, the performance of a system in providing a capability is not known with certainty. To model this uncertainty, we assume that the performance of a system for providing a capability has lower and upper bounds and subject to complete uncertainty, i.e., no information is available about the probability distribution of the performance values. To solve the resulting multi-objective SoS architecting problem with uncertainty, we propose and compare three robust approaches: max-min, max-max, and max-mid. We apply these methods on a military example and numerically compare the results of the different approaches

Work Zone Simulator Analysis: Driver Performance and Acceptance of Alternate Merge Sign Configurations

Improving work zone road safety is an issue of great interest due to the high number of crashes observed in work zones. Departments of Transportation (DOTs) use a variety of methods to inform drivers of upcoming work zones. One method used by DOTs is work zone signage configuration. It is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of different configurations, by law, before implementation of new signage designs that deviate from national standards. This research presents a driving simulator based study, funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that evaluates a driver’s response to work zone sign configurations. This study has compared the Conventional Lane Merge (CLM) configurations against MoDOT’s alternate configurations. Study participants within target populations, chosen to represent a range of Missouri drivers, have attempted four work zone configurations, as part of a driving simulator experience. The test scenarios simulated both right and left work zone lane closures for both the CLM and MoDOT alternatives. Travel time was measured against demographic characteristics of test driver populations. Statistical data analysis was used to investigate the effectiveness of different configurations employed in the study. The results of this study were compared to results from a previous MoDOT to compare result of field and simulation study about MoDOT’s alternate configurations

Work Zone Simulator Analysis: Driver Performance and Acceptance of Missouri Alternate Lane Shift Configurations

The objective of this project is to evaluate MoDOT’s alternate lane shift sign configuration for work zones. The single signproposed by MoDOT provides the traveler with enough information to let them know that all lanes are available to shift around thework zone, whereas the MUTCD signs require drivers to see two signs. This research simulation project evaluates the drivers’ laneshifting performance and acceptance of the alternate lane shift sign proposed by MoDOT to be used on work zones as compared tothe MUTCD lane shift signs. Based on the study results, no difference was observed between MUTCD lane shift sign andMoDOT lane shift sign lane shift patterns with respect to driving patterns. In summary, statistical data analysis clearlydemonstrated that there was not a noticeable, statistical difference between lane change patterns of drivers in the MoDOT alternatesigns with MUTCD signs in the work zone

Flexible and Intelligent Learning Architectures for SOS (FILA-SoS)

Multi-faceted systems of the future will entail complex logic and reasoning with many levels of reasoning in intricate arrangement. The organization of these systems involves a web of connections and demonstrates self-driven adaptability. They are designed for autonomy and may exhibit emergent behavior that can be visualized. Our quest continues to handle complexities, design and operate these systems. The challenge in Complex Adaptive Systems design is to design an organized complexity that will allow a system to achieve its goals. This report attempts to push the boundaries of research in complexity, by identifying challenges and opportunities. Complex adaptive system-of-systems (CASoS) approach is developed to handle this huge uncertainty in socio-technical systems

Non-Collaborative Emission Targets Joining and Quantity Flow Decisions in a Stackelberg Setting

This study considers a Stackelberg channel, where the leader determines the quantity flow along the channel. Both the leader and the follower have emission targets and the leader should respect those targets. In this setting, the leader and the follower can join their emission targets to lower costs while ensuring that the channel emissions do not exceed the cumulative target. The decisions for joining targets define a non-collaborative game between the leader and the follower. We characterize the equilibrium of this game. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of channel leadership. A manufacturer-retailer scenario is used to demonstrate the model