A formal approach using SysML for capturing functional requirements in avionics domain

Abstract In this work, a Model-Based Systems Engineering approach based on SysML is proposed. This approach is used for the capture and the definition of functional requirements in avionics domain. The motivation of this work is triple: guide the capture of functional requirements, validate these functional requirements through functional simulation, and verify efficiently the consistency of these functional requirements. The proposed approach is decomposed into several steps that are detailed to go from conceptual model of avionics domain to a formal functional model that can be simulated in its operating context. To achieve this work, a subset of SysML has been used as an intermediate modelling language to ensure progressive transformation that can be understood and agreed by system stakeholders. Formal concepts are introduced to ensure theoretical consistency of the approach. In addition, transformation rules are defined and the mappings between concepts of ARP4754A civil aircraft guidelines and SysML are formalized through meta-model. The resulting formalization enables engineers to perform functional simulation of the top-level functional architecture extracted from operational scenarios. Finally, the approach has been tested on an industrial avionics system called the Onboard Maintenance System.