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Application of ITAPS for Evaluation of Propulsion and Power at the System Level
C. Russell Joyner and Patrick M. McGinnis
Abstract
P&W Space Propulsion has been working an effort to update our collaborative analysis and design processes for complex systems with a focus on propulsion and power for use in an Integrated Concurrent Engineering analysis and design approach. This integrated analysis and design approach (i.e. ITAPS) focuses on the formulation and validation of methodologies and processes that create a responsive and rapid advanced design and analysis environment to evaluate Aerospace systems. The ITAPS approach uses an integrated approach to examining system architectures, mission requirements and the interaction of all the elements of an Aerospace system (i.e. propulsion, power, electrical systems, vehicle sizing, and vehicle flight performance) together. This disciplined analysis capability is employed for defining and maturing integrated system concepts that could meet design requirements of future Aerospace systems being considered by the US government and the Space industry. The functional focus is on how the subsystem elements, especially propulsion and power, affect the higher-level aerospace system. The ITAPS approach uses integration of multidisciplinary design analysis tools in order toevaluate all manner of Aerospace vehicle systems. These include lower-level coupled subsystems (e.g. EHMS, power management and power systems, and the propulsion system) and higher-level total systems like expendable and reusable launch systems with all their subsystem elements. The design integration of these "system of systems" is examined at a higher system level using Phoenix ModelCenter Integration Software’s ModelCenter. This paper will discuss the methodology and some examples evaluations of selected concepts relative to how the subsystem design requirements are linked to the higher vehicle system level. Also, the discussion will cover how computer design tools are “linked” together to create an integrated, functional analysis process that permits evaluation at the architectural level or at the systems level or specific subsystems of aerospace vehicles and in-space systems. The mission requirements, performance, CAD design, and cost elements of the integrated "system of systems" model will be described with discussion of how the Phoenix ModelCenter software permits a "linked" integration of system model elements. Consequently, the ITAPS approach is used to permit rapid synthesis and evaluation of the functional attributes of Aerospace vehicle systems relative to the propulsion and power system design.
Introduction
The first step in a "systems-of-systems" evaluation is to define and then examine the functional relationships between the system elements for a given set of system design architectures. The second major step is then the quantification of the impact of design choices relative to the cost, performance, and reliability of all the system elements on the total "system-of-systems". This system or process at Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and other United Technology Divisions is performed using Integrated Total Aircraft (Aerospace) Power Systems (ITAPS). "Aircraft" has been in the process acronym because ITAPS was first created as a process and tool to examine the synthesis of all the subsystems on miltary and commercial aircraft. It has evolved to more "Aerospace" as ITAPS as been used for systems other than aircraft. "Power" is used broadly to describe a common thread for all the system elements (e.g. propulsion, electric power, communications, EHMS, GNC) that enable an aerospace system to perform its required mission. For the remainder of this paper, ITAPS will be used in the context of "A" equaling Aerospace for any aerospace system.
ITAPS is an integrated approach to determine the functions of a complex system and then apply model-based analysis and design in a disciplined process that links legacy engineering tools along the functional interrelations for conducting system-level design studies. The objective of ITAPS is to provide an accurately defined model or system of models that represent a system-of-systems to provide quantitative solutions early in the design process. It also is employed to evaluate architectural solutions based on the system requirements assignment during the functional analysis step.
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