Sound Methods and Effective Tools for Engineering Modeling and Analysis

Modeling is indispensable in engineering. Safe, effective
modeling methods require languages having clearly specified and validated semantics, and low-cost, feature rich, easy-to-use software tools. Today we lack cost effective means to develop such methods, with serious consequences for
engineering. We present and evaluate an approach combining two techniques: formal methods to aid in language design and validation; and package oriented programming for effective tools at low cost. We have evaluated the approach in an end-to-end feasibility experiment. First, we deployed an existing language for reliability analysis to NASA in a package-oriented tool and surveyed NASA engineers to assess its industrial effectiveness. Second, we designed a formally specified (and significantly corrected and improved) modeling language. Finally, to assess the overall effort required, we developed a package-based tool from scratch which embodies the new language. The data support the claim that the approach promises to enable cost-effective deployment of sound methods by effective software tools.
Note: Abstract extracted from PDF file via OCR

Coppit, David, and Kevin Sullivan. "Sound Methods and Effective Tools for Engineering Modeling and Analysis." University of Virginia Dept. of Computer Science Tech Report (2002).