The Application of Simulation Tools to Ultra-deep Water Development Programs and its Relevance to Space Exploration 2009-01-2478

Oceaneering has developed a highly reliable contact physics simulation system called Modular Integrated Machine-human Interaction Control (MIMIC) in support of the ultra-deepwater oil and gas industry. This paper provides an overview of MIMIC as it is used offshore, explains Oceaneering's use of the simulation tool to validate requirement-driven design concepts in complex ultra-deepwater operations, and describes how a similar system could be used to validate space exploration designs and operational scenarios. There are many program phases from ultra-deepwater projects that are analogous to space exploration. Conceptual design, tooling and system design validation, and worksite design validation are required in both applications. Comparable specialized engineering support and virtual system integrated testing is conceivable, and operations planning can draw on experience from subsea projects. The optimization of procedures as they relate to simulation and modeling for the space exploration functional areas of integrated flight performance, operations integration, guidance navigation & control, human factors, and habitability can be developed in a similar manner.

Oceaneering uses MIMIC to provide high-fidelity physics-based simulations to major offshore oil and gas companies worldwide. Using a black box approach, where only the inputs, outputs, and physical constraints are defined, along with top level verification requirements, any level of specificity can be achieved and assessed. The simulation truly represents the form and function of the desired product without disclosing sensitive technical or intellectual property details.