Architecting a Tradespace Analysis Framework in a Digital Engineering Environment

Summary The design spaces for systems or systems of systems continue to grow in complexity. To support the management of this complexity, digital engineering environments are being stood up with the intent to support the creation of digital threads, connecting guidance with mission needs down to specific capability requirements. Furthermore, it is intended to integrate various types of models and simulations used for upfront analysis as well as downstream operations and management. This chapter provides guidance on the processes to design and implement a tradespace environment within a digital engineering environment. Specifics on the elements of a complete analysis framework, an exemplar workflow of one's use, and a summary of key lessons learned and takeaways is provided. This chapter's goal is to inform the reader on the practical processes and approaches to realize a successful tradespace analysis framework.