Ground Vehicle System Integration and Design Optimization Model

Detailed models of limited aspects of vehicle performance are currently used in engineering development, e.g., DADDS, BRL-CAD/SQUASH, PRISM, etc. There is a need for an integrated model which analyzes the interactions among subsystems and evaluates performance of multiple system functions. Design decisions which make sense in isolation can turn out to be detrimental in the integrated system operational context. This proposal is to develop a "macro-model" for design tradeoffs, feasibility analysis, and design optimization. It models subsystems and their interactions using simplified models of subsystem performance linked back to detailed analytic simulations and test data via calibration databases. It uses a single, common description of the design concept for all system functions and design constraints. The "ripple effects" of a design change will immediately be seen in all affected functions. The model will be embedded in an interative optimization wrapper which will identify conflicts among the performance objectives and design constraints. The proposed Phase I effort will deliver specifications for the full-scope Ground Vehicle System Integration and Design Optimization Model, and will implement and demonstrate a fully-functional but limited-scope prototype.