Systematic model-based safety assessment via probabilistic model checking

Abstract

Safety assessment is a well-established process for assuring the safety and reliability of critical (aeronautical) systems. It uses probabilistic (quantitative) analysis to provide precise measures about the safety requirements of a system. Traditionally, quantitative safety assessment uses fault-tree analysis, but certification authorities also allow the use of Markov models. In this paper we propose a strategy for quantitative safety assessment based on the Prism model-checker. Prism models are extracted systematically from a high-level model via the application of translation rules. We illustrate our strategy with a representative system design from the airborne industry. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.