Simulation-Supported Engineering of Self-Adaptive Software Systems

Abstract

Engineering a self-adaptive software system is challenging. During design- as well as run-time, assurance cases are central for ensuring reliable operation of the software. Simulation, in addition to software verification and testing, is a viable means to provide evidence for assurance cases. So far, little attention has been given to the development of underlying simulation models. Here, we argue that a systematic approach to develop simulation models will enhance the overall engineering process and will contribute to seamless integration of simulation and engineering processes. In our approach, we relate an explicit representation of the conceptual model and simulation experiments to artifacts of the engineering process. We will show first steps of applying our approach in a concrete ongoing software project for medical diagnosis, and discuss the role of components of the conceptual model in designing the software as a self-adaptive software system.