Automate and standardize Model-Based Safety Assessment (MBSA) within a CI/CD pipeline to enhance safety verification for complex systems.
Abstract
Model-Based Safety Assessment (MBSA) offers a powerful approach for ensuring the safety of complex, software-intensive systems across industries like aerospace, rail, and automotive. However, effectively integrating MBSA with iterative development processes and aligning it with functional safety standards remains challenging. This project proposes a solution centered on automating verification tasks within a CI/CD pipeline. This includes tailored workflows, report generation, and robust traceability mechanisms.
Problem Statement
The lack of well-defined, standards-compliant processes for integrating formal model verification into MBSA pipelines hinders efficiency and reliability. Manual verification and report generation are time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies. Additionally, ensuring traceability between evolving models and their verification results is essential but often complex.
Research Questions
- How can a CI/CD workflow be designed to seamlessly trigger model verification tasks based on identified changes and relevant safety standards?
- What mechanisms can automate the generation of standardized verification reports while ensuring compliance with functional safety norms?
- How can a robust traceability solution be developed to guarantee a clear connection between model versions and their corresponding verification outcomes?
Methodology
- CI/CD Workflow and Plugin: Design a workflow and develop a plugin for platforms like Jenkins or GitHub, automating verification task execution based on customizable triggers and safety considerations.
- Report Generation: Define report templates aligned with relevant functional safety standards. Implement automated report generation with extracted verification results.
- Traceability Mechanism: Design a method to establish and maintain clear links between model iterations and their verification reports.
- Storage: Develop a data storage mechanism for models, verification tasks, and reports, ensuring accessibility and long-term traceability.
Student Opportunities
- MBSA and Functional Safety: Gain in-depth knowledge of Model-Based Safety Assessment principles and functional safety standards in real-world applications.
- State-of-the-Art Tools: Work with cutting-edge modeling tools and formal verification frameworks.
- Agile Development: Experience collaborative software development within a team using Scrum-like methodologies.
Significance
This project delivers a significant contribution by streamlining MBSA processes. It promotes consistency, traceability, and compliance with safety standards, ultimately enhancing the reliability and efficiency of developing safety-critical systems.
Supervisors
Hannes Stützer
Tim Gonschorek
Prof. Dr. Frank Ortmeier