MIT Strategic Engineering
Selected Publications by Topic
System Lifecycle Properties ("Ilities")
The System Lifecycle Properties that are of most interest to us are: flexibility and changeability, reconfigurability, evolvability, robustness and sustainability. These all relate to a system's ability to adapt to changed circumstances over its useful life. We are also interested in a system's ability to improve by infusion of new technologies. The goal of deliberately designing for these properties is to maximize the value generated by the system for its stakeholders.
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de Weck O.L., Ross A., Rhodes D., “Investigating Relationships and Semantic Sets amongst System Lifecycle Properties (Ilities)”, 3rd International Engineering Systems Symposium, CESUN 2012, TU Delft, The Netherlands, June 18-20, 2012 [PDF]
- Book Chapter about the Ilities: Chapter 4 from "Engineering Systems: Meeting Human Needs in a Complex Technological World" by de Weck O., Roos D. and Magee C, MIT Press, January 2012 [PDF] - proof version -
- Suh. E.S., Furst M.R., Mihalyov K.J, de Weck O., “Technology Infusion for Complex Systems: A Framework and Case Study”, Systems Engineering, 13 (2), 186-203, Summer 2010 (18 pages) - INCOSE best paper of the year award 2011 [PDF]
- de Neufville R., de Weck O., et al., "Uncertainty Management for Engineering Systems Planning and Design", Monograph, 1st Engineering Systems Symposium, M.I.T., March 29-31, 2004. [PDF]
- Giffin M., de Weck O., Bounova G., Keller R., Eckert C., Clarkson P.J., "Change Propagation Analysis in Complex Technical Systems," Journal of Mechanical Design, 131 (8), 081010, August 2009 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O., "Reconfigurablility in Planetary Surface Vehicles", Acta Astronautica, 64 (5-6), 589-601, March/April 2009 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O.L., "Modeling Methods and Conceptual Design Principles for Reconfigurable Systems", Jounal of Mechanical Design, 130, 101102, October 2008 [PDF]
- de Weck, O.L., Scialom, U. and Siddiqi A., “Optimal reconfiguration of satellite constellations with the auction algorithm”, Acta Astronautica, 62 (2-3), 112-130, January/February 2008** (19 pages) [PDF]
- Smaling R., de Weck O., "Assessing Risks and Opportunities of Technology Infusion in System Design", Systems Engineering, 10 (1), 1-25, Spring 2007 [PDF] - INCOSE best paper of the year award 2008
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O., Iagnemma K., "Reconfigurability in Planetary Surface Vehicles: Modeling Approaches and Case Study", Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (JBIS), 59, December, 2006 [PDF]
- Hauser D., de Weck O.L., “Flexibility in component manufacturing systems: evaluation framework and case study”, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 18 (3), 421-432, June 2007** (12 pages) [PDF]
- Silver M., de Weck O. “Time-Expanded Decision Networks: A Framework for Designing Evolvable Complex Systems”, Systems Engineering, 10 (2), 167-186, 2007 (20 pages) [PDF]
- Haberfellner R., de Weck O.L., "Agile SYSTEMS ENGINEERING versus engineering AGILE SYSTEMS", INCOSE 2005 - Systems Engineering Symposium, Rochester, NY, July 10-15, 2005 [PDF]
- Kalligeros K.C. and de Weck O.L., "Flexible Design of Commercial Systems under Market Uncertainty: Framework and Application", AIAA-2004-4646, 10th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Albany, New York, August 30-September 1, 2004. [PDF]
Product Platforms and Commonality
For many firms and organizations it is no longer sufficient to offer a single"one-size-fits-all" product or service, but in response to competition and globalization they now have to offer an entire product family. Offering such variety to the market and doing so cost effectively - with relatively low internal complexity - requires commonality ("sharing parts") and often the design of new derivative products from a common platform or set of modules ("sharing interfaces"). Doing this well is both an art and a science.
- Meyer, H.M., de Weck O.L., Marion T., article on “Product Platforms”, Encyclopedia of Marketing, Wiley, ISBN 978-1405161787, December 2010 [PDF] - proofs version
- Simpson T., Marion T., de Weck O., Holtta-Otto K., Kokkolaras M., and Shooter S., "Platform-based Design and Development: Current Trends and Needs in Industry", DETC2006-99-229, Proceedings of IDETC/CIE 2006 ASME 2006 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, September 10-13, 2006, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA [PDF]
- Suh, E.S., de Weck O.L., and Chang D., "Flexible product platforms: framework and case study", Research in Engineering Design, 18 (2), 67-89, 2007 [PDF]
- Suh, E.S., de Weck O.L., Kim I.Y. and Chang D., "Flexible platform component design under uncertainty", Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Special Issue on Product Family Design and Development, 18 (1), 115-126, February 2007 [PDF]
- de Weck, O., "Determining Product Platform Extent", Chapter 12 in Product Platform and Product Family Design: Methods and Applications, T. W. Simpson, Z. Siddique and J. Jiao, eds., Springer, New York, pp. 241-301, 2006. [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O., "Spare Parts Requirements for Space Missions with Reconfigurability and Commonality", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2006, 44 (1), 147-155, January-February 2007. [PDF]
- Kalligeros K., de Weck O., de Neufville R., Luckins A., "Platform Identification using Design Structure Matrices", Sixteenth Annual International Symposium of the International Council On Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Orlando, Florida, 8 - 14 July 2006 [PDF]
- Hassan R., de Weck O.L., and Springmann P., "Architecting a Communication Satellite Product Line", AIAA-2004-3150, 22nd AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference and Exhibit, Monterey, California, May 9-12, 2004. [PDF]
- Galabova K., Bounova G., de Weck O. and Hastings D., "Architecting a Family of Space Tugs based on Orbital Transfer Mission Scenarios", Paper AIAA-2003-6368, AIAA Space 2003 Conference and Exposition, Long Beach, California, 23-25 September 2003. [PDF]
- de Weck O., Suh E. S. and Chang D., "Product Family and Platform Portfolio Optimization", Paper DETC03/DAC-48721, Proceedings of DETC'03, 2003 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Chicago, Illinois, 2-6 September, 2003. [PDF]
Space Systems Logistics
The traditional mode of exploring our solar system (and beyond) has been to send single-mission robotic probes that are extremely capable and reliable. However, now and in the future we will explore space with combinations of humans and robots, we build infrastructures in space (e.g. the International Space Station ISS) and we plan for sustained campaigns of exploration where one mission builds on the next. This requires extensive logistics and supply chain management both on Earth and in Space. This kind of logistics is quite different from commercial logistics on Earth. We are an academic leader in the field of Space Logistics and have developed methods and tools (e.g. SpaceNet) for tackling these challlenges in a scientific way.
- Grogan P., Siddiqi A., de Weck O., “Matrix Methods for Optimal Manifesting of Multi-Node Space Exploration Systems”, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 48 (4), 679-690, July-August 2011 [PDF]
- Ahn J., de Weck O., “Mars Surface Exploration Caching from an Orbiting Logistics Depot”, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 47 (4), 690-694, July-August 2010 [PDF]
- Ishimatsu T., Grogan P., de Weck O., “Interplanetary Trajectory Analysis and Logistical Considerations of Human Mars Exploration”, Journal of Cosmology, (12), 3588-3600, October-November 2010 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O., Lee G., Shull S., “Matrix Modeling Methods for Spaceflight Campaign Logistics Analysis”, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 46 (5), 1037-1048, September/October 2009 [PDF]
- Ahn J., de Weck O.L., Hoffman J., "An Optimization Framework for Global Planetary Surface Exploration Campaigns", Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 61 (12), 487-498, December 2008 [PDF]
- de Weck. O.L., Scialom, U. and Siddiqi A., "Optimal reconfiguration of satellite constellations with the auction algorithm", Acta Astronautica, 62 (2-3), 112-130, Januaruy/February 2008 [PDF]
- Taylor C., Song M., Klabjan D., de Weck O.L., Simchi-Levi D., "A Mathematical Model for Interplanetary Logistics", Logistics Spectrum, 41(1), 23-33, 2007 - SOLE best paper award (2nd prize - honorable mention) [PDF]
- Gralla W.L., de Weck O.L., "Strategies for On-Orbit Assembly of Modular Spacecraft", Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (JBIS), 60 (6), 219-227, 2007 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O., "Spare Parts Requirements for Space Missions with Reconfigurability and Commonality", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2006, 44 (1) , 147-155, January-February 2007 [PDF]
- Evans W., de Weck O., Laufer D., Shull S., "Logistics Lessons Learned in NASA Space Flight", NASA/TP-2006-214203, May 2006 [PDF]
- Galabova K. K., de Weck, O.L., "Economic case for the retirement of geosynchronous communication satellites via space tugs", Acta Astronautica, 58 (9): 485-498, May 2006 [PDF]
- de Weck O.L., Evans W., Parrish J., James, S.R., NASA Space Exploration Logistics Workshop Proceedings, Washington D.C., January 17-18, 2006, NASA-CP-2006-214202, April 2006 [PDF]
- de Weck O.L., Simchi-Levi D., "Haughton-Mars Project Expedition 2005", Final Report, NASA/TP-2006-214196, January 2006 [PDF]
- Galluzzi M., Zapata E., Steele M., de Weck O., "Foundations of Supply Chain Management for Space Applications", AIAA-2006-7234, Space 2006 Conference and Exposition, San Jose, California, Sept. 19-21, 2006 [PDF]
- Shull S., Gralla E., de Weck O., Siddiqi A., Shishko R., "The Future of Asset Management for Human Space Exploration: Supply Classification and an Integrated Database", AIAA-2006-7232, Space 2006 Conference and Exposition, San Jose, California, Sept. 19-21, 2006 [PDF]
- Gralla E., Shull E., Silver M., Ahn J., Siddiqi A., de Weck O., "Remote Terrestrial Sites as Operational/Logistics Analogs for Moon/Mars Bases: The Haughton Mars Project", AIAA-2006-5659, 9th International Conference on Space Operations, Rome, Italy, 19 - 23 June, 2006 [PDF]
Systems Architecture and Engineering
Systems Architecting establishes the high-level concept for a new system while Systems Engineering then translates this concept to a detailed design that can be implemented and tested and ultimately operated. We are particularly interested in architectural patterns of systems including their complexity, modularity and evolution over time. We carefully study the Management of Engineering Change and Change Propagation Analysis. Rarely is the initial choice of architecture and initial design complete and correct. Many cycles of redesign and engineering changes are often required to get it right. Our goal is to quantitatively decribe and substantially improve these processes in order to better manage complex technology projects. Increasingly these questions also apply to critical infrastucture systems and the design of cities.
- Siddiqi A., Bounova G., de Weck O., Keller R., Robinson B., “A posteriori Design Change Analysis for Complex Engineering Projects”,Journal of Mechanical Design, 133, (10), 101005, October 2011 [PDF]
- Pasqual M.C., de Weck O.L., “Multilayer Network Model for Analysis and Management of Change Propagation”, Research in Engineering Design, Special Issue on Engineering Change, June 2012 (accepted) [PDF]
- Sharon A., de Weck O., Dori D., “Project Management vs. Systems Engineering Management: A Practitioners' View on Integrating the Project and Product Domains”, Systems Engineering, published online DOI: 10.1002/sys.20187, 14, (3), July 2011 [PDF]
- Alfaris A., Siddiqi A., Rizk C., de Weck O., Svetinovic D., ”Hierarchical Decomposition and Multi-Domain Formulation for the Design of Complex Sustainable Systems”, Special Issue on Sustainable Design, Journal of Mechanical Design, 132 (9), 091003, September 2010 [PDF]
- Suh. E.S., Furst M.R., Mihalyov K.J, de Weck O., “Technology Infusion for Complex Systems: A Framework and Case Study”, Systems Engineering, 13 (2), 186-203, Summer 2010 [PDF]
- Feng W., Crawley E.F., de Weck O.L., Keller R., Robinson R., “Dependency Structure Matrix Modeling for Stakeholder Value Networks”, 12th International Dependency and Structure Modeling Conference, DSM’10, Cambridge, UK, 22-23 July 2010 [PDF]
- Giffin M., de Weck O., Bounova G., Keller R., Eckert C., Clarkson P.J., "Change Propagation Analysis in Complex Technical Systems", Journal of Mechanical Design, 131 (8), 081010, August 2009 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O.L., "Modeling Methods and Conceptual Design Principles for Reconfigurable Systems", Journal of Mechanical Design, 139, 101102, October 2008 [PDF]
- Chepko A., de Weck O., Crossley W., Santiago-Maldonado E., Linne D., “A Modeling Framework for Applying Discrete Optimization to System Architecture Selection and Application to In-Situ Resource Utilization”, AIAA-2008-6058, 12th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Victoria, British Columbia, Sep. 10-12, 2008 [PDF]
- Holtta-Otto K., de Weck O.L., "Degree of Modularity in Engineering Systems and Products with Technical and Business Constraints", Concurrent Engineering, Special Issue on Managing Modularity and Commonality in Product and Process Development, 15(2), 113-126, 2007 [PDF]
- Silver M., de Weck O. "Time-Expanded Decision Networks: A Framework for Designing Evolvable Complex Systems", Systems Engineering, 10(2), 167-186, 2007 [PDF]
- de Weck, O.L. and Jones M. B., "Isoperformance: Analysis and design of complex systems with desired outcomes", Systems Engineering, 9 (1), 45-61, January 2006 [PDF]
- Edward Crawley, Olivier de Weck, Steven Eppinger, Christopher Magee, Joel Moses, Warren Seering, Joel Schindall, David Wallace, Daniel Whitney (Chair)., "The Influence of Architecture in Engineering Systems", Monograph, 1st Engineering Systems Symposium, M.I.T., March 29-31, 2004. [PDF]
- Bounova G., de Weck O., "Augmented Network Models for Engineering System Design", International Conference on Complex Systems 2006 (ICCS2006), The New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), Boston, MA, USA June 25-30, 2006 [PDF]
- Magee C. and de Weck O. L., "Complex System Classification", Fourteenth Annual International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Toulouse, France, June 20-24, 2004,[PDF] - conference best paper award IS INCOSE '04
- de Weck O.L., Nadir W.D., Wong J.G., Bounova G. and Coffee T.M., “Modular Structures for Manned Space Exploration: The Truncated Octahedron as a Building Block”, AIAA-2005-2764, 1st Space Exploration Conference: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery, 30 Jan - 1 Feb 2005, Orlando, Florida [PDF]
- de Weck, O.L., de Neufville R. and Chaize M., "Staged Deployment of Communications Satellite Constellations in Low Earth Orbit", Journal of Aerospace Computing, Information, and Communication, 1 (3), 119-136, March 2004. [PDF]
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) seeks to find a system design point that will optimally satisfy multiple - possibly conflicting - objectives. This is done by integrating models from multiple disciplines such as structures, controls, propulsion, cost modeling etc. into a coherent modeling and computational framework. Our main interest in MDO is in efficient multi-objective optimization (MOO) as well as optimizing systems for lifecycle properties such as flexibility, profitability (economic objectives). We are especially interested in adaptive methods (such as Adaptive Weighted Sum optimization). One of the difficulties in optimizing truly complex systems (such as infrastructures or cities) is that the various stakeholders may not agree on what the real objectives should be or how to prioritize the objectives or set the constraints.
- Agte J., Borer N., de Weck O., “Multistate Design Approach to the Analysis of Performance Robustness for a Twin-Engine Aircraft”, Journal of Aircraft, 49(3), 781-793, May-June 2012 [PDF]
- Ferreira I., de Weck O., Saraiva P., Cabral J., “Multidisciplinary Optimization of Injection Molding Systems", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 41 (4), 621-635, April 2010 [PDF]
- Agte J., Borer N., de Weck O. L , "A Simulation-based Design Model for Analysis and Optimization of Multi-State Aircraft Performance", AIAA-2010-2997, 6th AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Orlando, Florida, Apr. 12-15, 2010[PDF]
- Agte J., de Weck O., Sobieszczanski-Sobieski J., Arendsen P., Morris A., Spieck M., “MDO: assessment and direction for advancement - an opinion of one international group”, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 40 (1), 17-33, January 2010 [PDF]
- Ahn J., de Weck O.L., Hoffman J., "An Optimization Framework for Global Planetary Surface Exploration Campaigns", Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 61(12), 487-498, December 2008 [PDF]
- Siddiqi A., de Weck O.L., "Modeling Methods and Conceptual Design Principles for Reconfigurable Systems", Journal of Mechanical Design, 130, 101102, October 2008 [PDF]
- Chepko A., de Weck O., Linne D., Santiago-Maldonado E., Crossley W., “Architecture Modeling of In-Situ Oxygen Production and its Impacts on Lunar Campaigns”, AIAA-2008-7823, AIAA Space 2008 Conference and Exposition, San Diego, California, September 9-11, 2008 [PDF]
- Taylor C., de Weck O., "Coupled Vehicle Design and Network Flow Optimization for Air Transportation Systems", Journal of Aircraft, 44(5), 1478-1486, September-October 2007 [PDF]
- Silver M., de Weck O. "Time-Expanded Decision Networks: A Framework for Designing Evolvable Complex Systems", Systems Engineering, 10(2), 167-186, 2007 [PDF]
- Kim I.Y. and de Weck, O., "Adaptive weighted sum method for multiobjective optimization", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 31 (2), 105-116, February 2006 [PDF]
- de Weck, O.L. and Jones M.B., "Isoperformance: Analysis and Design of Complex Systems with Desired Outcomes", Systems Engineering, 9(1), 45-61, January 2006 [PDF]
- Graff C., de Weck O., "A Modular State-Vector Based Modeling Architecture for Diesel Exhaust System Design, Analysis and Optimization", AIAA-2006-7068, 11th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Portsmouth, Virginia, 6 - 8 Sep 2006 [PDF]
- Kim I.Y. and de Weck O.L., "Variable chromosome length genetic algorithm for progressive refinement in topology optimization", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 29(6), 445-456, June 2005 [PDF]
- Kim I.Y. and de Weck O.L., "Adaptive weighted-sum method for bi-objective optimization: Pareto front generation", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 29 (2), 149-158, February 2005 [PDF]
- Usan M., de Weck O.L., Whitney D., "Exhaust System Manifold Development Enhancement through Multi-Attribute System Design Optimization", AIAA-2005-2066, 1st AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Austin, Texas, April 18-21, 2005 [PDF]
- Schuman T., de Weck O.L., Sobieski J., "Integrated System-level Optimization for Concurrent Engineering with Parametric Subsystem Modeling", AIAA-2005-2199, 1st AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Austin, Texas, April 18-21, 2005 [PDF]
- de Weck O., "Multiobjective Optimization: History and Promise", Invited Keynote Paper, GL2-2, The Third China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Optimization of Structural and Mechanical Systems, Kanazawa, Japan, October 30-November 2, 2004. [PDF]
- Cohanim B. E., Hewitt J. N., and de Weck O.L., "The Design of Radio Telescope Array Configurations using Multiobjective Optimization: Imaging Performance versus Cable Length", The Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Series, 154, 705-719, October 2004. [PDF]
Integrated Modeling and Simulation
Before systems exist and while they are being designed (and operated), we often need to resort to modeling and simulation to predict their future behavior. In the area of Modeling and Simulation we are interested in modeling and simulating complex systems efficiently and including multiple phenomena. Simulation typically occurs in the time domain or the frequency domain. A recent area of interest is that of simulation of distributed or federated systems, e.g. using the HLA-evolved standard IEEE-1516-2010. Earlier work was focused on the integrated modeling and simulation of space telescopes such as the Next Generation Space Telescope NGST (now referred to as the James Webb Space Telescope JWST).
- Essilfie-Conduah N., Grogan P., Cunio P.M., McLinko R., de Weck O.L., “A University Perspective on the NASA/SISO Smackdown Modeling and Simulation Outreach Event”, 2011 Fall Simulation Interoperability Workshop - 11F-SIW-031, Orlando, Florida, September 10-14, 2011 [PDF]
- Grogan P.T.,Lee C., de Weck O.L., “Usability Studies for Rapid Space Logistics Modeling and Simulation using SpaceNet 2.5”, AIAA Space 2011 Conference & Exposition, Long Beach, California, September 27-29, 2011
- Agte J., Borer N., de Weck O. L , "A Simulation-based Design Model for Analysis and Optimization of Multi-State Aircraft Performance", AIAA-2010-2997, 6th AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Orlando, Florida, Apr. 12-15, 2010 [PDF]
- Howell D., de Weck O.L., Miller D.W., “Spatial Nyquist Fidelity Method for Structural Models of Opto-Mechanical Systems”, Paper 7017-74, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation Conference, Marseille, France, June 23 – 28, 2008 [PDF]
- Sou K.C. and de Weck O., "Fast time-domain simulation for large-order linear time-invariant state space systems", International Journal of Numerical Methods in Engineering, 63 (5), p 681-708, June 2005 [PDF]
- de Weck O.L., Uebelhart S.A., Gutierrez H.L. and Miller D.W., "Disturbance and Sensitivity Analysis for Large Order Linear Time-Invariant Systems", AIAA-2002-5437, 9th AIAA/ISSMO Symposium on Multidisciplinary Analysis & Optimization, Atlanta, Georgia, 4-6 September, 2002. [PDF]
- Springmann P.N., and de Weck, O.L. "Parametric Scaling Model for Nongeosynchronous Communications Satellites", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 41 (3), 472-477, May-June 2004 [PDF]
- de Weck O. L., Miller D. W., Mosier G. E., "Multidisciplinary Analysis of the NEXUS Precursor Space Telescope", 2002 SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, Conference on Highly Innovative Space Telescopes, Paper SPIE 4849-39, Waikoloa, Hawaii USA, 22-28 August 2002. [PDF]
- de Weck O., Miller D., Mosier G., "Integrated Modeling and Dynamics Simulation for the Next Generation Space Telescope", SPIE-4013-105, SPIE International Symposium on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 2000, Munich, Germany, 27-31 March, 2000. [PDF]