Journal of Quality Engineering and Management

Abstract The issue of performance of complex engineering systems in environments with high uncertainty is one of the topics of research in the field of device engineering. Uncertainties and hazards in unfamiliar environments significantly affect the value provided by complex engineering systems to its stakeholders. Therefore, empowering complex systems to operate in conditions of uncertainty is inevitable. Obviously, before taking any action to improve the design of these devices to achieve greater capability, it is necessary to determine the index and model to measure their capability in the face of uncertainty. In this study, which is a combination of qualitative, quantitative, applied and fundamental research methods in terms of the type of research; After reviewing the research records, biodegradability has been introduced as an indicator to evaluate the capability of complex engineering systems for operations in conditions of uncertainty. Operating environment and three-level modeling of the operating environment, product functions and physical equipment of the product are its key features. Finally, the applicability of the proposed model is shown through a case study of an imaging satellite as a complex engineering system. The accuracy of the proposed model has been confirmed based on the analysis of the results of the case study and a questionnaire completed by experts.