Systems of Systems

Systems engineering is the design of a complex interconnection of many elements (a system) to maximize a specific measure of system performance. It consists of two parts: modeling, in which each element of the system and its performance criteria are described; and optimization in which adjustable elements are tailored to allow peak performance. Systems engineering is applied to vast numbers of problems in industry and the military. An example of systems engineering at work is the control of the timing of thousands of city traffic lights to maximize traffic flow. The complex and intricate field of electronics and computers is perfectly suited for systems engineering analysis and in turn, advances in communications and computer technology have made more advanced systems engineering problems solvable. Thus, the two areas fed off of one another. This book is a basic introduction to the use of models and methods in the engineering design of systems. It is aimed at students as well as practicing engineers. The concept of the «systems of systems» is discussed extensively, after a critical comparison of the different definitions and a range of various practical illustrations. It also provides key answers as to what a system of systems is and how its complexity can be mastered.

A comprehensive guide to the theory, methodology, and development for modeling systems of systems Modeling and Managing Interdependent Complex Systems of Systems examines the complexity of, and the risk to, emergent interconnected and interdependent complex systems of systems in the natural and the constructed environment, and in its critical infrastructures. For systems modelers, this book focuses on what constitutes complexity and how to understand, model and manage it.Previous modeling methods for complex systems of systems were aimed at developing theory and methodologies for uncoupling the interdependencies and interconnections that characterize them. In this book, the author extends the above by utilizing public- and private- sector case studies; identifies, explores, and exploits the core of interdependencies; and seeks to understand their essence via the states of the system, and their dominant contributions to the complexity of systems of systems. The book proposes a reevaluation of fundamental and practical systems engineering and risk analysis concepts on complex systems of systems developed over the past 40 years. This important resource: Updates and streamlines systems engineering theory, methodology, and practice as applied to complex systems of systems Introduces modeling methodology inspired by philosophical and conceptual thinking from the arts and sciences Models the complexity of emergent interdependent and interconnected complex systems of systems by analyzing their shared states, decisions, resources, and decisionmakers Written for systems engineers, industrial engineers, managers, planners, academics and other professionals in engineering systems and the environment,this text is the resource for understanding the fundamental principles of modeling and managing complex systems of systems, and the risk thereto.

With the growing maturity of information and communication technologies, systems have been interconnected within growing networks, yielding new services through a combination of the system functionalities. This leads to an increasing complexity that has to be managed in order to take advantage of these system integrations. This book provides key answers as to how such systems of systems can be engineered and how their complexity can be mastered. After reviewing some definitions on systems of systems engineering, the book focuses on concrete applications and offers a survey of the activities and techniques that allow engineering of complex systems and systems of systems. Case studies, ranging from emergency situations such as Hurricane Katrina and its crisis management or a generic scenario of a major traffic accident and its emergency response, to the establishment of a scientific basis in the Antarctic region illustrate key factors of success and traps to avoid in order to cope with such situations.

A practical methodology for designing integrated automation control for systems and processes Implementing digital control within mechanical-electronic (mechatronic) systems is essential to respond to the growing demand for high-efficiency machines and processes. In practice, the most efficient digital control often integrates time-driven and event-driven characteristics within a single control scheme. However, most of the current engineering literature on the design of digital control systems presents discrete-time systems and discrete-event systems separately.  Control Of Mechatronic Systems: Model-Driven Design And Implementation Guidelines  unites the two systems, revisiting the concept of automated control by presenting a unique practical methodology for whole-system integration. With its innovative hybrid approach to the modeling, analysis, and design of control systems, this text provides material for mechatronic engineering and process automation courses, as well as for self-study across engineering disciplines. Real-life design problems and automation case studies help readers transfer theory to practice, whether they are building single machines or large-scale industrial systems.  Presents a novel approach to the integration of discrete-time and discrete-event systems within mechatronic systems and industrial processes Offers user-friendly self-study units, with worked examples and numerous real-world exercises in each chapter Covers a range of engineering disciplines and applies to small- and large-scale systems, for broad appeal in research and practice Provides a firm theoretical foundation allowing readers to comprehend the underlying technologies of mechatronic systems and processes  Control Of Mechatronic Systems  is an important text for advanced students and professionals of all levels engaged in a broad range of engineering disciplines.

An essential resource for optimizing energy systems to enhance design capability, performance and sustainability Optimization of Energy Systems comprehensively describes the thermodynamic modelling, analysis and optimization of numerous types of energy systems in various applications. It provides a new understanding of the system and the process of defining proper objective functions for determination of the most suitable design parameters for achieving enhanced efficiency, cost effectiveness and sustainability. Beginning with a general summary of thermodynamics, optimization techniques and optimization methods for thermal components, the book goes on to describe how to determine the most appropriate design parameters for more complex energy systems using various optimization methods. The results of each chapter provide potential tools for design, analysis, performance improvement, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Key features: Comprehensive coverage of the modelling, analysis and optimization of many energy systems for a variety of applications. Examples, practical applications and case studies to put theory into practice. Study problems at the end of each chapter that foster critical thinking and skill development. Written in an easy-to-follow style, starting with simple systems and moving to advanced energy systems and their complexities. A unique resource for understanding cutting-edge research in the thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a wide range of energy systems, Optimization of Energy Systems is suitable for graduate and senior undergraduate students, researchers, engineers, practitioners, and scientists in the area of energy systems.

The book describes a general vision of the miniaturization of the analytical systems, including their principles, designs and applications. Through ten chapters the different aspects characterizing the miniaturized systems are developed. Thus, the two first chapters include the basic concepts behind miniaturization in analytical chemistry, as well as the mechanical and electronic tools needed for designing and fabricating miniaturized analytical systems. Chapters 3 to 6 represent the core of the book, as they take as the basis the analytical process and deal with the miniaturization of sample treatment (including the consequent automation), with sections devoted to the problems associated with sample introduction in micro(nano) systems; miniaturized systems for analyte separation, depending of the forces involved in moving the flow; and detection in micro-size environments. Following on, Chapters 7 and 8 will deal with the miniaturization of the entire process: from sample introduction to the generation of the corresponding analytical results. The last part of the book will deal with two aspects of miniaturized analytical systems directly connected to their usefulness: the design of portable miniaturized systems (interesting for performing field tests) and how to assure the practical reliability of the micro(nano) systems (quality control tests, performance and validation activities, as well as the robustness of the miniaturized depicted systems. The ruggedness of micro(nano) systems are briefly discussed and related to the tools for designing and fabricating described in the first chapters of the book.

Discover the emerging science and engineering of System of Systems Many challenges of the twenty-first century, such as fossil fuel energy resources, require a new approach. The emergence of System of Systems (SoS) and System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) presents engineers and professionals with the potential for solving many of the challenges facing our world today. This groundbreaking book brings together the viewpoints of key global players in the field to not only define these challenges, but to provide possible solutions. Each chapter has been contributed by an international expert, and topics covered include modeling, simulation, architecture, the emergence of SoS and SoSE, net-centricity, standards, management, and optimization, with various applications to defense, transportation, energy, the environment, healthcare, service industry, aerospace, robotics, infrastructure, and information technology. The book has been complemented with several case studies—Space Exploration, Future Energy Resources, Commercial Airlines Maintenance, Manufacturing Sector, Service Sector, Intelligent Transportation, Future Combat Missions, Global Earth Observation System of Systems project, and many more—to give readers an understanding of the real-world applications of this relatively new technology. System of Systems Engineering is an indispensable resource for aerospace and defense engineers and professionals in related fields.

Marine systems vary in their sensitivities to perturbation. Perturbation may be insidious – such as increasing eutrophication of coastal areas – or it may be dramatic – such as a response to an oil spillage or some other accident. Climate change may occur incrementally or it may be abrupt, and ecosystem resilience is likely to be a complex function of the interactions of those assemblages or species mediating key biogeochemical processes. Biogeochemistry of Marine Systems considers issues of marine system resilience, focusing on a range of marine systems that exemplify major global province types but are also interesting and topical in their own right, on account of their sensitivity to natural or anthropogenic change or their importance as ecological service providers. Authors concentrate on advances of the last decade.

Since publication of the first edition, huge developments have taken place in sensory biology research and new insights have been provided in particular by molecular biology. These show the similarities in the molecular architecture and in the physiology of sensory cells across species and across sensory modality and often indicate a common ancestry dating back over half a billion years. Biology of Sensory Systems has thus been completely revised and takes a molecular, evolutionary and comparative approach, providing an overview of sensory systems in vertebrates, invertebrates and prokaryotes, with a strong focus on human senses. Written by a renowned author with extensive teaching experience, the book covers, in six parts, the general features of sensory systems, the mechanosenses, the chemosenses, the senses which detect electromagnetic radiation, other sensory systems including pain, thermosensitivity and some of the minority senses and, finally, provides an outline and discussion of philosophical implications. New in this edition: Greater emphasis on molecular biology and intracellular mechanisms New chapter on genomics and sensory systems Sections on TRP channels, synaptic transmission, evolution of nervous systems, arachnid mechanosensitive sensilla and photoreceptors, electroreception in the Monotremata, language and the FOXP2 gene, mirror neurons and the molecular biology of pain Updated passages on human olfaction and gustation. Over four hundred illustrations, boxes containing supplementary material and self-assessment questions and a full bibliography at the end of each part make Biology of Sensory Systems essential reading for undergraduate students of biology, zoology, animal physiology, neuroscience, anatomy and physiological psychology. The book is also suitable for postgraduate students in more specialised courses such as vision sciences, optometry, neurophysiology, neuropathology, developmental biology. Praise from the reviews of the first edition: «An excellent advanced undergraduate/postgraduate textbook.» ASLIB BOOK GUIDE «The emphasis on comparative biology and evolution is one of the distinguishing features of this self-contained book. .... this is an informative and thought-provoking text…» TIMES HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT