Graphical Representation Approach to Reasoning About Complex Systems Behavior for Broad Applications

Abstract

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has proven success in achieving significant, quantifiable defect reductions and cost savings across complex engineering systems. MBSE requires engineers to use formal languages to design complex systems,which often require organizations to invest in special training. Furthermore, key subject matter experts and decision makers often do not know and are not expected to know a formal language well enough to reason using it. Monterey Phoenix (MP), a U.S. Navy developed modeling language, approach, and tool, generates emergent system and process behaviors through its scope-complete scenario generation capability. Currently, MP users must code with a text-based language; however, many systems engineering practitioners commonly prefer working with graphical representations of models. This thesis answers the question: To what extent can the MP language be represented graphically? This research assesses prior work, selects a graphical representation, develops an open-source prototype software application, and maps to pertinent Systems Modeling Language (SysML) semantics. A graphical language approach that works with MP is expected to provide a more accessible method for systems engineers to reason about more complex system behaviors, providing a graphical gateway for formal methods novices to conduct scope-complete design and analysis and potentially leading to cost savings across the defense enterprise.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2023
Accession Number
AD1224766

Entities

People

  • Christopher S Ritter

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computational Linguistics
  • Software Engineering.