Unlocking the V Model: A Beginner's Guide to Systems Engineering

Level: Basic

Reading time: 4 mins

Objectives:

After reading this article, you will know,

• What is systems engineering?
• Why is system-level thinking important?
• Understanding the V-model in systems engineering and its implementation in aerospace product development (Eg: eVTOL development)

Motivation

Having spent a significant amount of time in academia and research in aerospace engineering, I realized that the training provided at educational institutions focuses on developing skills in a particular area (e.g., Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, etc.) in a standalone manner. However, it doesn't emphasize the method of integrating all these sub-systems to develop a successful product. Systems engineering completes that gap.

Introduction

Every day, thousands of products are being developed across the world. Some of these products, like aircraft, rockets, satellites, etc., are quite complex, with multiple systems working together. A successful product involves a successful design strategy that considers various stakeholders. It essentially requires a system that aids in the product's successful design, fabrication, testing and deployment.

What is systems engineering?

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field that designs, integrates, and manages complex systems over their entire lifecycle. It ensures that all aspects of a project or system work together effectively, addressing technical, environmental, economic, and social factors. It employs methodologies like modeling, simulation, and risk management to handle the complexity and interdependencies of modern systems. It is used across various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, and information technology, ensuring that large-scale projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Why is systems thinking important?

Systems thinking puts the system at the heart of the development process. It explains how individuals can work together in different types of teams to achieve a common goal or objective. Most products involving cutting-edge technology are multi-domain, i.e. they require engineers from different domains to work on different aspects of the product. For instance, an aircraft has various sub-systems like structure, avionics, propulsion, aerodynamics, etc. It is important to have a methodology that seamlessly integrates all the sub-systems to work towards a successful product along with their individual contribution.

V- Model: Systems engineering

The V model of systems engineering illustrates the process of system development and testing. It starts with requirements definition, followed by system and component design, prototyping and detailed testing to ensure verification and validation.

Let's understand this model with an example of UAV design

This V-diagram ensures that each phase of design is followed by a corresponding phase of verification, ensuring that the UAV system meets all specified requirements.

• Left Side (Decomposition): Describes the system design and development process, breaking down from high-level requirements to detailed component design.
• Right Side (Integration): Describes the integration and testing process, moving from detailed component verification up to system validation.

Explanation:

• Concept of Operations (ConOps): Defines the overall vision and objectives of the UAV system.
• Requirements: Captures what the system must do (functional requirements) and how it must perform (non-functional requirements). Eg: Range, speed, endurance, payload capacity etc.
• System Design: High-level design phase, breaking down the system into subsystems. Eg: Aerodynamics, Airframe, Navigation, Propulsion, Communication, Flight control etc.)
• Subsystem Design: Detailed design of individual subsystems. Eg: Structural design, Aerodynamic design etc.
• Component Design: Design of the individual components within each subsystem Eg: Wings, fuselage, propeller, sensors. flight controller etc).
• Software/Hardware Development: Actual development and coding of the software, as well as fabrication of hardware.
• Integration and Test: Initial integration of components and subsystems with preliminary testing.
• Component Verification: Verifying that each component meets its requirements and design specifications.
• Subsystem Verification: Verifying that each subsystem meets its requirements and design specifications.
• System Verification: Verifying that the integrated system meets its requirements and design specifications.
• System Validation: Ensuring that the system fulfills its intended use in the intended environment.
• Deployment and Maintenance: Deployment of the UAV and its ongoing maintenance.

Further reading:

1. INCOSE Systems Engineering Guidebook: link
2. Sadraey, Mohammad. (2010). A Systems Engineering Approach to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Design. 10.2514/6.2010-9302.