Session: DTM-02-02 - Representations in Design

Paper Number: 90247

90247 - Exploring Partitioning in Subsystem Prototyping 

The development of a novel complex system is often cost-
prohibitive. One reason for this is that system-level performance
can typically only be evaluated once all subsystems have been
designed and therefore, it is difficult to iterate on full system
prototypes. Subsystem isolation is a well-established prototyping
method to enable efficient design at both the system and
subsystem levels. In this process, a complex system is partitioned
into manageable subsystems that are subsequently designed in
detail. Subsystem isolation permits rapid, low-cost iteration
which is known as a critical driver of prototype performance.
This paper provides an exploration of the role of partitioning in
subsystem isolation prototyping through a review of methods and
an applied case study. The paper reviews two topics related to
subsystem isolation prototyping: 1) partitioning approaches and
2) strategies for iteration at system versus subsystem level.
Methods from design theory, systems engineering, and multi-
domain optimization are reported. The case study explored
subsystem prototyping in the design and construction of an
electric in space propulsion test facility utilized in DoD research.
The case study is used to demonstrate the processes involved in
system partitioning methods and subsystem level design. These
approaches allow designers to efficiently explore options for
architecture-level design, without expending unnecessary
resources on iterations of the integrated system.

Presenting Author: Zachariah Connor Oregon State University

Presenting Author Biography: Zachariah Connor is a PhD Student at Oregon State University working under Dr. Bradley Camburn. Zachariah's research is in the areas of Electric Propulsion, Prototyping, and Early Stage Systems Development

Authors:

Zachariah Connor Oregon State University
Bradley Camburn Oregon State University