Modeling to Analyze the Impact of Blockchain on Counterfeit Part Avoidance

Hirbod Akhavantaheri [CALCE, University of Maryland]

Tuesday, June 27th - 11:30 am

Abstract:

This presentation describes socio-technical agent-based network modeling to quantitatively analyze the impact of blockchain technology and other policies on the supply-chain risk associated with the procurement of counterfeit electronics. Safety, mission, and infrastructure critical systems (e.g., aerospace, transportation, defense, and power generation) are forced to source parts from their supply chains they do not control for very long periods of time. These systems are exposed to the dual risks of the impacts of system failure and the exposure to the vagaries of the marketplace over decades. Therefore, these systems (i.e., their operators, manufacturers, and supporters) must implement policies and technologies to reduce the risk of obtaining counterfeit parts. Many policies ranging from debarment and clawback to ‘hop counting” have been proposed to mitigate risks. One possible form that these technologies can take is distributed digital ledger (i.e., blockchain) for the supply chain. This presentation does not focus on how such a blockchain could be implemented but rather on how (and if) blockchain for supply chain can provide value for verifying the authenticity of parts when long periods of time (decades) elapse between part manufacturing and part sourcing. In this analysis, it is paramount to study the consequences of aging on blockchain-based supply chain technologies and how do they perform through different life-cycle stages of systems. Additionally, during the part ownership changes, supply chain actors may choose to participate in the distributed ledger based on individual incentives. Blockchain-based technologies designed for the supply chain must be simulated to gauge the degree of actor participation. The lack of participation may affect the designed functionality, and the effects of lack of participation need to be shown not to have negative consequences. The model is used to understand the technical and social dynamics associated with the implementation of blockchain-based technologies into critical systems and to analyze the impact, particularly with regard to adoption and aging.
 

Biography:

Hirbod Akhavantaheri [University of Maryland]

Hirbod is currently a Mechanical Engineering graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, concentrating in design and system reliability. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Maryland in 2019. Hirbod’s research interest is in applying engineering concepts to solve problems associated with human societies, organizations, interactions, and behaviors. He is currently researching in the area of applicability of agent-based modeling to address the global counterfeit electronics problem. He has also previously worked on designing the architecture of novel mesh reflectors for space-based radar systems at L3Harris Technologies.

Dr. Diganta Das

For more information or questions regarding the technical program (including Professional Development Courses), contact the Conference Chair, Dr. Diganta Das.

Karlie Severinson

For more information or questions regarding event logistics, exhibitions, and sponsorship, contact Karlie Severinson.