Convergent Anthropocene Systems-of-Systems: Overcoming the Limitations of System Dynamics with Hetero-functional Graph Theory

TL;DR

This paper evaluates Hetero-functional Graph Theory as a novel, flexible alternative to System Dynamics for modeling complex, interdependent systems-of-systems in the Anthropocene, demonstrating comparable results with enhanced abstraction capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces Hetero-functional Graph Theory as a new approach for system modeling, surpassing System Dynamics in flexibility and detail for complex systems-of-systems.

Findings

MBSE and HFGT produce equivalent simulation results to SD.

HFGT captures system nuances better than SD.

MBSE and HFGT handle adaptive, multi-functional interactions effectively.

Abstract

Understanding the complexity and interdependence of systems in the Anthropocene is essential for making informed decisions about societal challenges spanning geophysical, biophysical, sociocultural, and sociotechnical domains. This paper explores the potential of Hetero-functional Graph Theory (HFGT) as a quantification tool for converting Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE), stated in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), into dynamic simulations-offering a comprehensive alternative to System Dynamics (SD) for representing interdependent systems of systems in the Anthropocene. The two approaches are compared in terms of systems thinking abstractions, methodological flexibility, and their ability to represent dynamic, multi-functional systems. Through a comparative study, the Mono Lake system is simulated in Northern California using both SD, and MBSE and HFGT, to highlight technical, conceptual and analytical differences. The simulations show equivalent results. However, MBSE and HFGT provide distinct advantages in capturing the nuances of the system through a broader set of systems thinking abstractions and in managing adaptive, multi-functional system interactions. These strengths position MBSE and HFGT as a powerful and flexible approach for representing, modeling, analyzing, and simulating heterogeneous and complex systems-of-systems in the Anthropocene.