Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/1696
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dc.contributor.authorAndrews, Zoe Helen-
dc.date.accessioned2013-06-06T15:45:31Z-
dc.date.available2013-06-06T15:45:31Z-
dc.date.issued2012-
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10443/1696-
dc.descriptionPhD Thesisen_US
dc.description.abstractModel-based speci cation languages provide a means for obtaining assurance of dependability of complex computer-based systems, but provide little support for modelling and analysing fault behaviour, which is inherently probabilistic in nature. In particular, the need for a detailed account of the role of continuous probability has been largely overlooked. This thesis addresses the role of continuous probability in model-based speci cation languages. A model-based speci cation language (sGCL) that supports continuous probability distributions is de ned. The use of sGCL and how it interacts with engineering practices is also explored. In addition, a re nement ordering for continuous probability distributions is given, and the challenge of combining non-determinism and continuous probability is discussed in depth. The thesis is presented in three parts. The rst uses two case studies to explore the use of probability in formal methods. The rst case study, on ash memory, is used to present the capabilities of probabilistic formal methods and to determine the kinds of questions that require continuous probability distributions to answer. The second, on an emergency brake system, illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of existing languages and provides a basis for exploring a prototype language that includes continuous probability. The second part of the thesis gives the formal de nition of sGCL's syntax and semantics. The semantics is made up of two parts, the proof theory (transformer semantics) and the underpinning mathematics (relational semantics). The additional language constructs and semantical features required to include non-determinism as well as continuous probability are also discussed. The most challenging aspect lies in proving the consistency of the semantics when non-determinism is also included. The third part uses a nal case study, on an aeroplane pitch monitor, to demonstrate the use of sGCL. The new analysis techniques provided by sGCL, and how they t in with engineering practices, are explored.en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipEPSRC: The School of Computing Science, Newcastle University: DEPLOY project:en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherNewcastle Universityen_US
dc.titleContinuous probability distributions in model-based specification languagesen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
Appears in Collections:School of Computing Science

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