Failure Modeling and Visualization in High Assurance Systems

System dependability is an increasingly important characteristic of mission critical computer systems. These systems must be maintained in a state of readiness to perform critical functions, and must be able to perform these functions correctly despite the presence of imperfections in system components, and in the environments in which the systems operate. Automated tools are needed to assist in specifying and evaluating dependability characteristics of high assurance computer system designs, and in balancing dependability against other system attributes such as performance and cost. Phase I research will determine the feasibility of an automated tool set for modeling and visualization of failures and their effects in high assurance computer systems. This research will: a) define an information model for representation of dependability-oriented behavior and design features, b) define quantitative evaluation capabilities for prediction and/or simulation of dependability and performance in various failure situations, c) define visualization capabilities for graphical depiction of failure effects and rapid identification of critical design elements, and d) validate the applicability of the proposed capabilities using a representative set of system dependability design issues. Completion of these tasks will provide a starting point for implementation of a prototype automated tool set in Phase II.