Set-Based Modeling, Visualization, & Trade-Space Exploration for Superior Conceptual System Design

This proposal first explains how TCC’s set-based analysis addresses the “cross-cutting challenges” that Topic 17.02 lists that must be addressed to successfully perform conceptual design of the complex system / mission design projects that NASA faces. It then explains how it enables the necessary cross-tool integration. And further, it explains how the set-based design is delivered as an active solver that defines the set of possibilities in a way that you can input narrower decisions and measurements and see the impact on the conceptual design space, thereby bridging the “phase transition boundaries”. In those explanations, it is fully covering all that is asked for by Topic 17.02. The proposal then sets out Technical Objectives supporting NASA's request of delivering "a working prototype suitable for demonstrations with a compelling case for NASA. Use and development of the model—including any and all work performed to verify and validate it—shall be documented.” It follows with a Work Plan for Phase I that constructs a prototype of such a "compelling case" that can be reviewed by NASA engineers providing feedback on what more will be needed in Phase II for that case to be truly compelling. The proposal then outlines the related R&D in the areas of set-based modeling and analysis, conceptual modeling and analysis, model-based systems engineering, and the handling of uncertainty in modeling and analysis. Finally, the proposal lays out the significant market opportunity that exists, the substantial positive impact that the technology could have on the world, and the role that organizations like NASA could play in exposing that potential.