Orthogonal array experiment in systems engineering and architecting

This paper espouses the application of orthogonal array experiment to solve a class of engineering optimization problems encountered in systems engineering and architecting. It also illustrates the applicability of orthogonal array experiment in systems engineering and architecting with two examples: verification and validation of the performance of a bandwidth allocation algorithm and architecting of a system of systems to respond to small boat attacks by terrorists. The orthogonal array experiment approach does not call for linearization of nonlinear engineering optimization problems; using orthogonal arrays, it solves them directly by carrying out the smallest possible number of experiments and determining their solutions from the results of the experiments. The orthogonal array experiment method has been found to be effective and efficient for these problems. The feasibility of applying the orthogonal array experiment approach to these problems suggests its potential application to other optimization problems encountered in systems engineering and architecting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14: