A methodology for organizing performance requirements for complex dynamical systems

An orderly methodology for establishing performance requirements for complex systems is described. The systems engineering performance methodology uses a top-down approach. Connections between the system high level mission requirements and the lower level functional performance requirements are made in a series of steps. The steps include identification of system activities, identification of activity-derived state vector elements, definition of state maintenance functions, and identification of functional components. Examples of the application of the methodology to a space station flight control problem are presented, and a discussion of application considerations is given.