Applying a MBSE Methodology in Small Scale Technology Development 1

The present work reports on experiences gleaned in the application of systems engineering on a research project whose objective is technology development. The benefits of systems engineering for system development throughout the lifecycle are well known. Inclusion of systems engineering has a measurable and significant beneficial effect on system development project performance measured by costs, schedules, and features implemented. Technology development however differs from product or service-oriented development and the potential systems engineering for such are unknown. The authors sought to utilize proven MBSE methodologies to aid in a research project for an emerging technology. The project addressed by the present work was a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research Project to determine the feasibility and utility of wireless acoustic power transfer systems in an operational environment. The purpose of this paper therefore is to report on the selection and application of a MBSE methodology for this small-scale technology development program. A summary of the work performed by the MBSE team is given, along with example modeling products and their intended uses. It discusses missteps as well as successes and from its findings proposes additional research to develop a method to evaluate these methodologies based on the nature of the project.