The Integration of Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) into Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods have developed a strong foothold in the design space in industry. These methods have proven fruitful when the right method is applied to the right problem. Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) and associated techniques are equally important. Currently, there is a gap in applying a methodology to integrate the two in the design process, particularly when the design is complex. This work attempts to provide a methodology that results in the successful integration of RAM and MBSE that can be used during the early phases of design. The methodology was developed after an extensive literature review, followed by validation of the methodology through a use case where each step of the method is applied to a turbine fuel system. The application of the seven-step methodology demonstrate its validity and acts as a simple blueprint for the integration of RAM and MBSE techniques to effectively inform a design effort.