Severin Nugent, Wolfgang Pexa, Bernhard Geringer, Alfred Vogel, Guido Korlath and Helmuth Horvath
This paper presents a gun-target line based vulnerability modelling of tanks or other vehicle targets in Finite-(triangle-)Element representation by use of MSC/Mentat. Penetration and residual energies are estimated by an appropriate penetration formula. Target vulnerability is evaluated by kill-probabilities in accordance with four probability cases: mobility kill, firepower kill, personnel kill, and catastrophic (total) kill, with emphasis to personnel kill with additional protection by fibrous armour and the effect of different armour. Experimental results support the overall validity of the simulation approach applied.
Bohumil Plihal and Ludek Jedlicka
The paper reviews and develops a technique for the complex evaluation of a modified Brinell test for determining some of the mechanical properties of solid propellant. The basis for the approach is the time-dependent impression made by a ball into a solid propellant material under the action of a constant load, and the subsequent recovery when the load is removed. The technique results in twelve parameters, although not all of them are independent of each other. The calculation methodology is supported by the measurement of some viscoelastic characteristics of representative solid propellants.
Malcolm H. Mills
Over the years, users and operators have experienced many shortcomings in the performance of their digital systems. More than 30 years ago, researchers indicated that software designers and computer programmers had to take a major share of the blame for these deficiencies because they aspired to design solutions that were free from human imperfection and the need for human involvement: in other words they were creating systems that had all of the characteristics of classical Utopias. Today, as technology-centred (and not user-centred) design persists as the major engineering paradigm and driving force, the release of ever-increasing quantities of software and data into user organisations indicates the trend towards creating Utopias continues. But achieving an effective balance between human beings and computing so as to achieve more optimal system performance will require the adoption of the socio-technical concept in which design and construction needs to be underpinned with an inter-disciplinary science and engineering base. Since such a ‘joined up’ base does not exist, user capability (particularly in unpredicted situations) could be much at risk in the future. This paper develops some thoughts and concerns on the pitfalls that can occur in the pursuit of the automation of large-scale man-machine information systems.
Michael L. Darby
Managing the process of continual improvement is a difficult challenge for any business. When training management is viewed as a business centre, managers must also continuously balance the available resources and budget while meeting training requirements. Typical process reengineering allows for the process to be reorganised to meet new technologies or efficiencies. Training cycles though, may not allow for re-engineering of the process due to fixed criteria and parallel training programs; yet process modelling can help optimise this “business centre” as well. The key for using Process Modelling is the overall effort’s orientation and the scope or macro view of the contributing factors and constraints. With the emergence of alternative training delivery methods, the effective analysis of the impact to the overall training cycle is crucial to making effective decisions about equipment, facilities, instructional materials and trainers. The impact of taking students from their jobs must also be assessed given other alternatives. Often, quick fixes simply move the problem around. Process Modelling oriented at the training resource issue can effectively provide information on student throughput, required resources, cost analysis and projected economic data to help justify the change. Sensitivity analysis allows for the overall process to be examined for “what-if” scenarios. Ultimately, the acceptance and use of Training Resource Allocation Modelling (TRAM) in support of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) techniques will leave a continuous improvement legacy process for future training managers.
R. Ian Faulconbridge
This paper proposes a suitable framework for consideration of the elements of Systems Engineering. A framework is necessary due to the breadth, complexity and interrelationships that exist within the Systems Engineering discipline. Current frameworks such as those contained in engineering standards necessarily contain complexity, terminology and detail to guide Systems Engineers. However these attributes make them less than ideal for the delivery of education and training. The Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBOK) framework proposed in this paper divides Systems Engineering into Processes, Management, Tools and Related Disciplines. The SEBOK framework has been tested through the development and delivery of two courses of study; an introductory course and a practitioner’s course. Initial feedback from both courses indicates that the SEBOK is an effective framework for the consideration of Systems Engineering.
Derek K. Hitchins, Ahmed M. Jaber and Mike R. Moulding
Using this white-box approach, it seems possible to approach procurement by identifying the performance and other characteristics of equipments as they contribute synergistically to overall C3I effectiveness. This leads to performance measures for equipments being seen, not as individual quantities, but as interactive contributors to overall effectiveness. Since the simulation also represents costs of maintenance and support of technology, bespoke or COTS, it is also possible to determine the overall value of COTS versus bespoke on a scientific basis. The approach also enables radical tradeoffs to be explored. For instance, it may be possible to trade-off the cost of command team training against the cost of enhanced weapons.
