Dynamic Modularization throughout System Lifecycle Using Multilayer Design Structure Matrices

System lifecycle consists of several phases, each entailing different activities and objectives. Modularization is commonly performed during the design stage, and is usually maintained throughout the system's lifecycle. However, systems may require different modularization architectures in different lifecycle phases. This paper presents a conceptual model for dynamic system modularization based on the different phases in a system's lifecycle. The model is based on multilayer Design Structure Matrices (DSMs) that construct a 3D representation of the system's elements and lifecycle phases. A clustering algorithm examines the possible modularization architectures at each phase, and identifies critical dependencies between the various elements of the system. The proposed model provides an overall evaluation of dynamic system modularization given the variation in the requirements throughout the different phases of the system lifecycle. The model is implemented in a design tool that assists systems planners during the design stages.