Network-based metrics for assessment of naval distributed system architectures

The architecture of a system is generally established at the end of the conceptual design phase where sixty to eighty percent of the lifetime system costs are committed. The architecture influences the system’s complexity, integrality, modularity and robustness. However, such properties of system architecture are not typically analytically evaluated early on during the conceptual process. System architectures are defined using qualitative experience, and the early stage decisions are subject to the judgement of stakeholders. This article suggests a set of network-based metrics that can potentially function as early evaluation indicators to assess complexity, integrality, modularity and robustness of distributed system architectures during conceptual design. A new robustness metric is proposed that assesses the ability of architecture to support a level functional requirement of the system after a disruption. The new robustness metric is evaluated by an electrical simulation software (MATPOWER). A ship vulnerability assessment software (SURVIVE) was used to find potential disruptive events. Two technical case studies examining existing naval distributed system architectures are elaborated. Conclusions on the network modelling and metrics as early aids to assess system architectures and to choose among alternatives during the conceptual decision phase are presented.