Sound methods and effective tools for engineering modeling and analysis

Modeling and analysis is indispensable in engineering. To be safe and effective, a modeling method requires a language with a validated semantics; feature-rich, easy-to-use, dependable tools; and low engineering costs. Today we lack adequate means to develop such methods. We present a partial solution combining two techniques: formal methods for language design, and package-oriented programming for function and usability at low cost. We have evaluated the approach in an end-to-end experiment. We deployed an existing reliability method to NASA in a package-oriented tool and surveyed engineers to assess its usability. We formally specified, improved, and validated the language. To assess cost, we built a package-based tool for the new language. Our data show that the approach can enable cost-effective deployment of sound methods by effective tools.