Functional Analysis in Systems Engineering: Methodology and Applications

Abstract

the system requirements, the conceptual design process evolves through the system architecture and the mission definition. The system architecture definition consists of the two main tasks: Functional Analysis and System Sizing.

Functional analysis for complex systems of nuclear fusion plant

“…In particular the standard functional analysis method presented in Ref. [1][2][3] was integrated in order to support the development of the control system of a nuclear plant, requiring the distinction of control function for safety or system protection purposes. The function hierarchical tree was further developed to identify related controls, effects, actions and actuators.…”

“…For conceptual and preliminary design stage a valuable approach derived from aerospace field [3] is the application of a functional analysis on the considered system. In particular, in system engineering context, a functional analysis is the systematic process of identifying, describing and correlating the functions a system must perform in order to be successful at any foreseen lifecycle phase or operational state/mode.…”

“…The application of such technique to a nuclear system for which also the instrumentation and control system must be implemented [6] requires the adaptation of established literature methodologies [3] in order to define in details the action and phases related to each component. Presented work provides an application of such refined methodology able to relate system functions directly to system control.…”

Interplanetary CubeSats system for space weather evaluations and technology demonstration

“…When systems engineers design new products, they perform Functional Analysis to refine the new product's functional requirements, to map its functions to physical components, to guarantee that all necessary components are listed and that no unnecessary components are requested and to understand the relationships among the new product's components [22].…”

A Function to Data Matrix (FDM) Approach for Mission Variables Consideration

“…While going down the tree, functions become simpler and give detailed indications on how higher level functions should be performed. If functions cannot be broken, they become Basic Functions [7] and they appear at the end of each branch.…”