Model-based concurrent systems design for safety

Abstract

This article describes a model of concurrent systems design for developing safety-critical systems. The developed model integrates system design, system safety analysis, and human factors. The model is able to develop the specifications for safety-critical systems easily. System safety analysis is a crucial part of the system effectiveness analysis for safety critical systems that require a concurrent systems design for safety (SDFS). This concurrent engineering approach is important during the early phase of the systems engineering process. The results of SDFS must be established during the early phase of the development life cycle to yield the architecture option satisfying the safety requirements. Evolution of computer technology has enabled engineers to perform more productive model-based systems engineering. A computer-aided systems engineering (CASysE) tool, CORE®, is used to carry out the SDFS. The proposed method can provide the insight and traceability among requirements, functions, components, and the potential hazards. The application of the method to a commercial aircraft, one of the safety-critical systems, demonstrates utility of this model for concurrent SDFS. The method shows the concept of concurrent engineering during the system design while a specialty engineering analysis must be integrated. System engineers can efficiently develop the system specification considering system safety using this approach. © 2004 Sage Publications.