Quantification and compensation of the impact of faults in system throughput. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez, Ricardo J; Júlvez, Jorge; Merseguer, José
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 227:Number 6(2013)
• Page Start: 614
• Page End: 628
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Performability -- fault-tolerant techniques -- Petri nets -- integer-linear programming; Reliability (Engineering) -- Mathematical models -- Periodiclals; Risk assessment -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; 620.00452
• DOI: 10.1177/1748006X13492284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-006X

Abstract

Performability relates the performance (throughput) and reliability of software systems whose normal behaviour may degrade owing to the existence of faults. These systems, naturally modelled as discrete event systems using shared resources, can incorporate fault-tolerant techniques to mitigate such a degradation. In this article, compositional fault-tolerant models based on Petri nets, which make its sensitive performability analysis easier, are proposed. Besides, two methods to compensate existence of faults are provided: an iterative algorithm to compute the number of extra resources needed, and an integer-linear programming problem that minimises the cost of incrementing resources and/or decrementing fault-tolerant activities. The applicability of the developed methods is shown on a Petri net that models a secure database system.