Requirements Reformulation using Formal Specification: A Case Study

Wildman, L.

This article describes our experience of using formal specification to reformulate the requirements of the Nulka Electronic Decoy. The Nulka Electronic Decoy is a hovering rocket that lures anti-ship missiles away from the ship. The requirements specification contained informal natural language requirements relating both to time-related performance requirements, and to other physical characteristics that were not time-related. 'Time Interval Calculus' was used for the time-related performance requirements whereas simple mathematics was used for the others, thereby creating two different views of the Decoy. While no conflicting requirements or incorrect values were detected, 50% of the requirements were modified as a result of formalisation and consultation with domain experts. This article describes the techniques that were used, the changes that were made, reflects on lessons learned and discusses related work.

Cite as: Wildman, L. (2002). Requirements Reformulation using Formal Specification: A Case Study. In Proc. Workshop on Formal Methods Applied to Defence Systems 2002, Adelaide, Australia. CRPIT, 12. Lakos, C., Esser, R., Kristensen, L. M. and Billington, J., Eds. ACS. 75-83.

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