SYSTEMS MODELING IN ENGINEERING DESIGN,

Outlined in the paper are the elements of a theoretical framework that would be a first step toward structuring comprehensive analytic models applicable to the hardware design process. The long-range purpose would be to advance the state-of-the-art in analyzing the design process and, thus, subsequently make the process itself more efficient. The model could be adapted to many levels of design major applications would be 1 in designing for industry where the state-of-the-art is well established e.g., automobiles, ships, etc. 2 in refining existing military designs and conceptions e.g., small changes on liquid ICBMs and 3 in stimulating engineering creativity via the results of gross analyses on futuristic designs e.g., submersible aircraft. The design process is viewed in the abstract in the paper, and thus the discussion is not intended to cope fully with the day-to-day diverse influences that the design engineer encounters in practice. It is contended, however, that there is analytic content beyond these day-to-day stresses and strains, and that the latter can be superimposed upon the framework suggested here.