Towards a common system of systems vocabulary

It is becoming apparent through research into the emerging field of system of systems engineering (SoSE) that definitions and descriptions commonly used in system engineering create confusion when applied in system of systems (SoS) research. This paper extends the definition of common terms used in traditional systems engineering to SoS research. A tripartite analysis approach provides: (1) the commonly accepted definition, (2) the manner in which the definition is extrapolated to the system engineering discipline, and (3) its potential use in system of systems engineering. It is proposed that these terms, when applied to a SoS, establish a terminology framework, independent of systems engineering, that will assist the engineer in understanding, discussing, and designing complex systems.