Browse Topic: Defense industry
ABSTRACT The demand for mobile, secure communications has been and will continue to be a fundamental requirement for dismounted, urban and distributed operations in the field. It is imperative that soldiers on the front lines receive actionable information in a timely, secured and uninterrupted manner to increase force protection and effectiveness. In this paper, we describe a novel, high technical maturity (TRL 8+) communications link that offers the mounted and dismounted soldier secure, beyond line of sight, encrypted capability for weapons control and command & control of multiple platforms. An innovative spread spectrum waveform was designed from the ground up to deliver necessary functionality for reliable communications amongst multiple nodes with a data rate and range commensurate with battlefield scenarios
ABSTRACT The importance of hardening robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) considered for field deployment against cyber threats has been recognized by organizations across the Department of Defense (DoD). Among these needs is the ability to securely provide these modern military vehicles with software updates containing critical new functionality and security improvements. A secure update process and system for military RAS has been implemented building on a framework designed for the automotive industry. Demonstrations of the capabilities and mitigations against possible attacks on the update process will be performed on a RAS MRZR in a mock field environment. Citation: S. Pereira, C. Mott, D. Mikulski, “Secure Update Process For Robotic And Autonomous Systems,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 15-17, 2023
ABSTRACT The Integrated Systems Engineering Framework (ISEF) is an Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) solution to address stovepiped systems engineering(SE) information and processes, disparate tools united by custom, one-off integrations, and a lack of accepted, common standards that exists in today’s Department of Defense (DoD) operating environment. Ever increasing technical complexity of fielded solutions combined with budgetary constraints push DoD engineers to “do more with less,” requiring a technical management solution that allows them collaborate virtually yet effectively with distributed engineers and other stakeholders. Easy access to systems engineering tools and information through a single “cloud” based application allows connections between federated databases, and facilitates knowledge preservation over time to avoid “reinventing the wheel” when new programs replace retired ones. ISEF is an ever-expanding collection of systems engineering
ABSTRACT In any active safety system, it is desired to measure the “performance”. For the estimation case, generally a cost function like Mean-Square Error is used. For detection cases, the combination of Probability of Detection and Probability of False Alarm is used. Scenarios that would really expose performance measurement involve complex, dangerous and costly driving situations and are hard to recreate while having a low probability of actually being acquired . Using a virtual tool, we can produce the trials necessary to adequately determine the performance of active safety algorithms and systems. In this paper, we will outline the problem of measuring the performance of active safety algorithms or systems. We will then discuss the approach of using complex scenario design and Monte Carlo techniques to determine performance. We then follow with a brief discussion of Prescan and how it can help in this endeavor. Finally, two Monte Carlo type examples for particular active safety
ABSTRACT Vehicle prognostics are used to estimate the remaining useful life of components or subsystems, based on measured vehicle parameters. This paper presents an overview of a vehicle prognostic system, including the critical tasks associated with configuring such a system. The end user of a vehicle prognostic system focuses on the reports generated by the system that provide indications of vehicle readiness, condition and remaining useful life. These reports are based on measurements recorded from sensors on the vehicle and analyzed either on the vehicle or remotely by a “back office” information management system; the latter also provides usage severity trends. To implement such a system, an engineer must first define the vehicle components of interest and determine “damage correlates”: the relationship between damage occurring on key component(s) and key vehicle parameters that can be obtained from vehicle “bus data”. These “damage correlates” and the associated analysis methods
ABSTRACT General Dynamics Land Systems has developed an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that provides 508A at 28VDC, for 14.2 KW. It is a stand-alone system, independent of the vehicle systems, except for utilizing vehicle fuel and vehicle batteries. Power is generated by a 570 amp alternator that is belt-driven by a diesel engine. It is load following which improves fuel efficiency and eliminates the probability of “wet stacking.” All the major components are commercially available and the APU is ready for production
ABSTRACT The Department of Defense is a major consumer of petroleum products – over 700 million gallons per day. While the majority of fuel consumed is for aircraft, in terms of logistics and exposure of personnel to hazardous conditions, the amount of fuel consumed in ground vehicles is considerable, with the cost (in-theatre, delivered) ranging from $100 to $600/gallon. This paper addresses the impact that parasitic friction mechanisms (boundary lubrication and lubricant viscosity) have on engine friction and overall vehicle efficiency. A series of mechanistic models of friction losses in key engine components was applied to investigate the impact of low-friction technologies on the fuel consumption of heavy-duty, on-road vehicles. The results indicate that fuel savings in the range of 3 to 5% are feasible by reducing boundary friction and utilizing low-viscosity engine lubricants. The paper will discuss the implications of the studies (as performed for commercial heavy-duty trucks
ABSTRACT This paper addresses the Program Management Office’s perspective of the robotic technology needs required to meet the capability gaps identified by the Warfighter. The objective is to relay these needs to the Science and Technology (S&T) community and industry in order to guide their investment dollars in the right direction. The Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RS JPO) has been working closely with the Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to establish near, mid and far term needs for robotic technologies. The hope is to communicate those needs to successfully steer the robotic research and development efforts to meet the capabilities most needed by our Warfighters
ABSTRACT Product Development (PD) remains a highly uncertain process for both commercial and DoD programs. The presence of multiple stakeholders (e.g., DoD and allied agencies, soldiers/users, PEO, contractors, manufacturing, service, logistics) with varying requirements, preferences, constraints, and evolving priorities make this particularly challenging for the DoD. These risks are well recognized by agencies, and it is widely understood that acquisition is about risk management and not certainties. However, almost all the DoD acquisition processes still require critical reviews, and most importantly, structured decision support for the fuzzy front-end of the acquisition process. What is lacking, are effective decision support tools that explicitly recognize the sequential milestone structure embedded with multi-stakeholder decision making in all acquisition programs. We describe the Resilient Program Management & Development (RPMD) framework to support complex decision making with
ABSTRACT This paper examines the current state of scalable CFD for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters at industry-scale, and provides a review of novel technologies that can enable additional levels of CFD parallelism beyond today’s conventional approach. Recent trends in HPC offer opportunities for CFD solution performance increases from the use of parallel file systems for parallel I/O, and a second level of solver parallelism through hybrid CPU-GPU co-processing
ABSTRACT This paper discusses various soft security considerations that should be accounted for in the next generation of advanced military unmanned systems. By modeling unmanned system teams as mobile ad hoc networks, we underscore the different types of information-based security vulnerabilities that motivated adversaries may be able to exploit in unmanned systems. Then we provide an overview of computational trust and show that it can be used to defend against these vulnerabilities by finding the most reliable agents to interact with from a pool of potential agents. Finally, we discuss ongoing work at U.S. Army TARDEC that is applying computational trust within a vehicle controller for autonomous convoy operations
ABSTRACT The current reliability growth planning model used by the US Army, the Planning Model for Projection Methodology (PM2), is insufficient for the needs of the Army. This paper will detail the limitations of PM2 that cause Army programs to develop reliability growth plans that incorporate unrealistic assumptions and often demand that infeasible levels of reliability be achieved. In addition to this, another reliability growth planning model being developed to address some of these limitations, the Bayesian Continuous Planning Model (BCPM), will be discussed along with its own limitations. This paper will also cover a third reliability growth planning model that is being developed which incorporates the advantageous features of PM2 and BCPM but replaces the unrealistic assumptions with more realistic and customizable ones. The internal workings of this new TARDEC developed simulation-based model will be delved into with a focus on the advantages this model holds over PM2 and BCPM
ABSTRACT Product Lines are a group of related products manufactured or produced within or between collaborating organizations. To effectively manage a product line, one needs to understand both the similarities and differences between the different products and optimize the development lifecycle to leverage the similarities, and concentrate development on the differences. ISO 26550:2013 Software & Systems Engineering – Reference Model for Product Line Management & Engineering provides a standard for defining these similarities and differences as well as the choices between them. Model-Based Systems and Software Engineering (MBSE) using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and the Unified Modeling Language (UML) provide a means of modeling systems and software. Bringing the two together allows users to model product lines in industry standard formats. Combining these with an execution engine means that product models can be created for specific products, whilst maintaining the original
ABSTRACT Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems (GCS) initiated a Green Belt project in 2007 to develop a risk management process. The Integrated Product Team (IPT) built on Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and Department of Defense (DoD) risk management guidance to create a process for risk analysis, mitigation, and rules for Risk Review Board approval. To automate this process, the IPT eventually created an Army owned, customizable tool (Risk Recon) that matched the PEO GCS process. Risk Recon is used to track risks throughout the acquisition life-cycle. Changing the culture of the PEO has been the most significant challenge. Training and follow-up of risk progress is required to keep the process from becoming stagnant. Partnership with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs)s is an integral part of all programs and a balance is needed between how the PEO and its OEMs perform risk management and communicate those risks. The software requirements continue to
ABSTRACT Of the tests of any good theory or suppositional work, the most critical is whether it can forecast the need or accurately describe the number, timing, event and impact of the endeavor. In order to reduce the risk and to exponentially increase the rate of success a continual reevaluation of the data and reconfiguration of the plan will be required, must be properly front-loaded with the appropriate human capital. This is precisely where the application of Six Sigma, Project Management and, Six Sigma for Human Capital works’ intimately with Risk Management to mitigate error and insure the ultimate success of the effort. This is critical in business, critical in the field for greater energy efficiency for soldiers. Unified in concert as core disciplines, the identification of human capital for specialists required at any particular point in the project especially in the definition and design phases, is determined with greater accuracy. Critically predictable and integrated into
ABSTRACT This GVSETS paper outlines the strategy for integrating Digital Engineering (DE) practices into the Detroit Arsenal (DTA) acquisition, engineering, and sustainment communities. A DTA DE Community of Practice (CoP) is being led by Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems (GCS), PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support (CS&CSS), Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicles Systems Center (GVSC), and Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM). In addition, Program Management Offices (PMOs) will document their DE implementation plans as part of all planning documents per Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics & Technology (ASA[ALT]) guidance [1]. In this paper, each of the DTA organizations will address the following: Ongoing DE Related Efforts; Upcoming / Planned Efforts / Opportunities; Lessons Learned; and Challenges / Issues / Help Needed. Additionally, each DTA organization explains its current and future states along
ABSTRACT Leveraging an open standard may still not achieve the desired interoperability between systems. Addressing “lessons learned” from past implementations of open standards for various Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs is critical for future success. This paper discusses past issues which range from insufficient technical detail, when and how to apply a given specification, verification of an implementation’s compliance, to inconsistent and imprecise contractual language. This paper illustrates how the Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) initiative addresses these challenges to enable interoperability on Army ground vehicles, as well as facilitate rapid technology insertion and incorporation of new capabilities. VICTORY represents a leap ahead in solving interoperability challenges and defining open standards
ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices to Test and Evaluation (T&E) practices. The Georgia Tech Research Institute GTRI has developed a process which includes using MBSE tooling & modeling languages, automatic test case generation based on modeling, and requirements coverage thereof. This paper describes the developed process and the benefits that it brings to T&E practices. Citation: R. Dunning, W. Matteson, R. Wise, J. Sharpe, “Using a Model-based Approach for Test and Evaluation”, In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 11-13, 2020
ABSTRACT This paper discusses the semi-active suspension system developed by A.M. General to provide mobility and maneuverability for tactical, wheeled vehicles
ABSTRACT The proliferation of information technology adds expanded capabilities and exposes new vulnerabilities through cyber warfare. To combat new threats software quality must go beyond CMMI maturity levels and embrace a software development lifecycle (SDLC) with measurable cybersecurity assurance. Standard cybersecurity artifacts throughout the SDLC should be expected and available for inspection. Integrated software applications can confidently and rapidly reduce their threat exposure by incorporating reusable data management components with a pedigree of cybersecurity SDLC assurance evidence
ABSTRACT Problem: The traditional four (4) methods for improving reliability; 1) High design safety margin, 2) Reduction in component count or system architectural complexity, 3) Redundancy, and 4) Back-up capability, are often ignored or perceived as being excessively costly in weight, space claim as well as money. Solution 1: Discussed here are the practical and very cost effective methods for achieving improved reliability by Functional Interface Stress Hardening (FISHtm or FISHingtm). The Author has been able to apply FISH to eliminate 70-92% of unscheduled equipment downtime, within 30-60 days, for more than 30 of the Fortune 500 and many other large companies which utilize automation controls, computers, power electronics and hydraulic control systems. Solution 2: From Structured Innovation the 33 DFR Methods & R-TRIZ Tool can be used to grow or improve reliability, via rapid innovation. The R-TRIZ tool) is provided so that users can instantly select the best 2, 3 or 4 of these
ABSTRACT Use of Model-Based Design (MBD) processes for embedded controls software Development has been purported for nearly the last decade to result in cost, quality, and delivery improvements. Initially the business case for MBD was rather vague and qualitative in nature, but more data is now becoming available to support the premise for this development methodology. Many times the implementation of MBD in an organization is bundled with other software process improvements such as CMMI or industry safety standards compliance, so trying to unbundle the contributions from MBD has been problematic. This paper addresses the dominant factors for MBD cost savings and the business benefits that have been realized by companies in various industries engaged in MBD development. It also summarizes some key management best practices and success factors that have helped organizations achieve success in MBD deployment
ABSTRACT Reliability Physics simulations for electronic assemblies has matured to become best practice during specification and design. However, the potential advantages of these simulations to programs and integrators are more far reaching. This paper will explore how the simulations can be used for virtual qualification, reliability assurance, maintenance scheduling and obsolescence management. Citation: Ed Dodd, “Reliability Simulations for Electronic Assemblies: Virtual Qualification, Reliability Assurance, Maintenance Scheduling and Obsolescence Mitigation”, In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 13-15, 2019
ABSTRACT The IGVC offers a design experience that is at the very cutting edge of engineering education. It is multidisciplinary, theory-based, hands-on, team implemented, outcome assessed, and based on product realization. It encompasses the very latest technologies impacting industrial development and taps subjects of high interest to students. Design and construction of an Intelligent Vehicle fits well in a two semester senior year design capstone course, or an extracurricular activity earning design credit. The deadline of an end-of-term competition is a real-world constraint that includes the excitement of potential winning recognition and financial gain. Students at all levels of undergraduate and graduate education can contribute to the team effort, and those at the lower levels benefit greatly from the experience and mentoring of those at higher levels. Team organization and leadership are practiced, and there are even roles for team members from business and engineering
Abstract: The Team Cybernet vehicle for the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge1 incorporated a route planning approach that uses sensed obstacles in the environment as the basis for potential turn placement prior to performing path search. The path search is confined to finding a set of straight-line tangents that connect circles of maximum curvature that are constructed adjacent to sensed obstacles. This approach is substantially different from traditional approaches in that the complexity of the search space is not based on the length of the path, but rather on the number of obstacles in the field. For sparse obstacle fields, this approach allows for very fast plan generation and results in paths that are guaranteed by construction to not violate steering constraints
ABSTRACT The Joint Operational Energy Initiative (JOEI) models energy (and all classes of supply) consumption, generation, and sustainment across a virtual battlefield area of operations utilizing the System of Systems Analysis Toolset (SoSAT) and the Fully Burdened Cost Tool (FBCT). Recent advances in SoSAT provide a capability to model condition-based scenarios that better represent complex dynamic scenario changes and provide more accurate, realistic operational scenario and sustainment modeling. In addition, the JOEI team developed a new operational metric called Combat Effective Operational Endurance (CEOE) using SoSAT system-level outputs to determine unit combat power over time based on system availability and system combat weights. FBCT improvements include increased synchronization with SoSAT and expansion of capabilities to model Class V (ammunition), Class VII (major end item) transport, troop movement, convoy generation and higher fidelity cost allocation. The new SoSAT
ABSTRACT The IGVC offers a design experience that is at the very cutting edge of engineering education, with a particular focus in developing engineering control/sensor integration experience for the college student participants. A main challenge area for teams is the proper processing of all the vehicle sensor feeds, optimal integration of the sensor feeds into a world map and the vehicle leveraging that world map to plot a safe course using robust control algorithms. This has been an ongoing challenge throughout the 26 year history of the competition and is a challenge shared with the growing autonomous vehicle industry. High consistency, reliability and redundancy of sensor feeds, accurate sensor fusion and fault-tolerant vehicle controls are critical, as even small misinterpretations can cause catastrophic results, as evidenced by the recent serious vehicle crashes experienced by self-driving companies including Tesla and Uber Optimal control techniques & sensor selection
ABSTRACT System complexity continues to grow, creating many new challenges for engineers and decision makers. To maximize value delivery, amidst this complexity, “both” Systems Engineering and Decision Analysis capabilities are essential. For well over a decade the systems engineering profession has had a significant focus on improving systems engineering processes. While process plays an important role, the focus on process was often at the expense of foundational engineering axioms and their contribution to system value. As a consequence, Systems Engineers were viewed as process shepherds which diluted their technical influence on programs. With the recent shift toward Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) the Systems Engineering discipline is “getting back to basics,” focusing on value delivery via foundational engineering axioms built upon first principles, using established laws of engineering and science. This paper will share how Pattern Based Systems Engineering (PBSE), as
ABSTRACT Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach that concentrates on the design and application of the whole as distinct from the parts. For complex systems, this includes the challenge that the behavior of the system as a whole is not intuitively understood by understanding the components. Classic System Engineering models establish a perception of a beginning and an end of the systems engineering process. Unfortunately, a long period between product launch and discovery of unexpected behavior for systems may occur with a protracted lifecycle. A Systems Engineering approach based upon the “control theory” model establishes a high correlation between interdisciplinary models to facilitate feedback throughout the system lifecycle to tune capabilities to user satisfaction. This close coupling extends well beyond tracing of requirements to qualification testing fulfillment as practiced in the traditional “V” model. The system itself is a traceability link providing lifecycle
ABSTRACT Program offices and the test community all desire to be more efficient with respect to testing but currently lack the analytical tools to help them fit early subsystem level testing into a framework which allows them to perform assessments at the system level. TARDEC initiated a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort to develop and deploy a system reliability testing and optimization tool that will quantify the value of subsystem level tests in an overall test program and incorporate the results into system level evaluations. The concept software, named the Army Lifecycle Test Optimization (ALTO) tool, provides not only the optimization capability desired, but also other key features to quickly see the current status, metrics, schedule, and reliability plots for the current test plan. As the user makes changes to the test plan, either by running the optimization or adjusting inputs or factors, the impacts on each of these areas is computed and displayed
ABSTRACT Currently there is no method to ensure that the software loaded on a vehicle has been compromised at the software level. Common practice is to use physical port security to secure all network and data bus connection points with physical devices requiring tool, keys, or damage to tamper evident devices to prevent, inhibit, or discourage unauthorized connection; turn off access to the ports in the BIOS and password protect the BIOS. As well as give non-admin access to user accounts and password protect the operating systems. All these countermeasures help to prevent access but there is no way to tell if the software was compromised if not detected by these methods. Blockchain technology ensures that the software has not been compromised by comparing a hash generated at start up and comparing it to the distributed ledger. This technology helps to bring Warfighter technology into the future
ABSTRACT The U.S. Army must adapt and upgrade ground platforms at the speed of technology advancement to maintain competitive advantages over adversaries. The Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems (GCS) Common Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA) is a new ground systems approach to enable persistent modernization of future platforms. For legacy platforms, Project Lead Capability Transition and Product Integration (PL CTPI) is developing plans to incrementally incorporate standards and portions of GCIA where feasible and affordable on legacy platforms. The GCIA will enable rapid integration of ground system capabilities, increasing the Army’s ability to counter emergent threats on the battlefield. Citation: PEO GCS / PL CTPI, “Architecting for Persistent Modernization,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 16-18, 2022
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