Early Design Exploration of Aerospace Systems Using Assume-Guarantee Contracts

TL;DR

Applications to two aerospace case studies show that this compositional approach to early modeling and analysis of complex aerospace systems based on assume-guarantee contracts provides engineers with an agile, early analysis and exploration process.

Abstract

We present a compositional approach to early modeling and analysis of complex aerospace systems based on assume-guarantee contracts. Components in a system are abstracted into assume-guarantee specifications. Performing algebraic contract operations with Pacti allows us to relate local component specifications to that of the system. Applications to two aerospace case studies (the design of spacecraft to satisfy a rendezvous mission and the design of the thermal management system of a prototypical aircraft) show that this methodology provides engineers with an agile, early analysis and exploration process.

Figures (13)

• Figure 1: (a) System composition (b) System diagnostics
• Figure 2: (a) Patching systems (b) Fusing viewpoints
• Figure 3: Segmented space mission scenario for asteroid approach
• Figure 4: Contract modeling of scenario steps and sequences
• Figure 5: Composite contract modeling a 5-step scenario sequence