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Course

ENG-421: Fundamentals in systems engineering

Summary

Introduction to systems engineering using the classical V-model. Topics include stakeholder analysis, requirements definition, concept selection, design definition and optimization, system integration and verification and validation. This class is part of the EPFL minor in Systems Engineeri

Lectures

Instructor

Volker Gass

After completing his master’s degree in Microtechnology at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne in 1989 he worked as a Project Manager at Mecanex SA, a Swiss High-Tech company active in the field of Aerospace Mechanisms. While working at Mecanex he completed a PhD in Science in the field of applied Micro-Systems Technologies at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1994. In 1995, Volker Gass participated in the Management Buy Out of Mecanex SA. In 2000, Mecanex was acquired by the Swiss Defence and Technology group RUAG . He was appointed to lead Customer Relations and Business Development of the newly formed Systems & Space Division at RUAG Aerospace in 2004. In the same year he was appointed member of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences for his contribution in the field of High-Technology Space applications. From November 2006 to June 2007, Volker Gass successfully graduated RUAG’s Top Leadership Course, and held the position of General Manager, Sales & Marketing in the Space Division of RUAG in Switzerland as well as Member of the Board of Directors (President) of Mecanex USA Inc., Berlin, CT, until December 2009.In 2008 he successfully led the acquisition of SAAB Space and its subsidiary Austrian Aerospace. From January to June 2009 Volker Gass led the business team in the successful acquisition of Oerlikon Space. From mid-2009 to September 2011 he was responsible for Special Projects in the Marketing & Sales Organization of RUAG Space Switzerland. Since October 2011, Dr. Volker Gass is nominated Director of the Swiss Space Center at the Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. In March 2012, he is awarded the title of Adjunct Professor at the School of Engineering (STI) of the EPFL. From January 2014 to December 2017, he was nominated member of ESA’s Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee (HESAC) and from spring 2015 to December 2018, observer at ESA’s Earth Science Advisory Committee (ESAC).As of January 1, 2021, The Swiss Space Center is renamed "Space Innovation"

Official source

Moodle Page

http://go.epfl.ch/ENG-421

Summary

Lectures

Instructor

Volker Gass

Official source

Moodle Page

http://go.epfl.ch/ENG-421

Lectures in this course (10)

Systems Engineering Overview and Stakeholder Analysis Log in to Mediaspace to watch this video

Covers Systems Engineering history, the 'V'-Model, standards, and Stakeholder Analysis.

Requirements Definition Log in to Mediaspace to watch this video

Explores the fundamentals of requirements definition in systems engineering, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise requirements for successful system design.

System Modeling Languages Log in to Mediaspace to watch this video

Explores the significance of System Modeling Languages like OPM, SysML, and Modelica in modern Systems Engineering.

System Architecture and Concept Generation Log in to Mediaspace to watch this video

Explores system architecture, concept generation methods, and the importance of managing complexity in design.

Concept Selection and Tradespace Exploration Log in to Mediaspace to watch this video

Covers decision analysis, concept selection methods, non-dominance, and optimization in system design.

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