MathMC: A mathematica-based tool for CSL model checking of deterministic and stochastic Petri nets

Deterministic and Stochastic Petri Nets (DSPNs) are a widely used high-level formalism for modeling discreteevent systems where events may occur either without consuming time, after a deterministic time, or after an exponentially distributed time. CSL (Continuous Stochastic Logic) is a (branching) temporal logic developed to express probabilistic properties in continuous time Markov chains (CTMCs). In this paper we present a Mathematica-based tool that implements recent developments for model checking CSL style properties on DSPNs. Furthermore, as a consequence of the type of process underlying DSPNs (a superset of Markovian processes), we are also able to check CSL properties of Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets (GSPNs) and labeled CTMCs

Modelling, reduction and analysis of Markov automata (extended version)

Markov automata (MA) constitute an expressive continuous-time compositional modelling formalism. They appear as semantic backbones for engineering frameworks including dynamic fault trees, Generalised Stochastic Petri Nets, and AADL. Their expressive power has thus far precluded them from effective analysis by probabilistic (and statistical) model checkers, stochastic game solvers, or analysis tools for Petri net-like formalisms. This paper presents the foundations and underlying algorithms for efficient MA modelling, reduction using static analysis, and most importantly, quantitative analysis. We also discuss implementation pragmatics of supporting tools and present several case studies demonstrating feasibility and usability of MA in practice

Performance evaluation using extended timed Petri nets

It is shown that the behavior of extended limited-choice Petri nets with exponentially distributed firing times can be represented by probabilistic state graphs. For bounded Petri nets, the corresponding state graphs are finite, stationary descriptions can thus be obtained by standard techniques used for analysis of continuous-time finite-state homogenous Markov chains. An immediate application of such a model is performance analysis of concurrent systems, and in particular queueing systems with exponentially distributed interarrival and service times. A simple model of an interactive computer system with priority scheduling is used as an illustration of performance evaluation, and a short comparison of timed Petri nets with stochastic Petri nets is given

Extension of PRISM by Synthesis of Optimal Timeouts in Fixed-Delay CTMC

We present a practically appealing extension of the probabilistic model checker PRISM rendering it to handle fixed-delay continuous-time Markov chains (fdCTMCs) with rewards, the equivalent formalism to the deterministic and stochastic Petri nets (DSPNs). fdCTMCs allow transitions with fixed-delays (or timeouts) on top of the traditional transitions with exponential rates. Our extension supports an evaluation of expected reward until reaching a given set of target states. The main contribution is that, considering the fixed-delays as parameters, we implemented a synthesis algorithm that computes the epsilon-optimal values of the fixed-delays minimizing the expected reward. We provide a performance evaluation of the synthesis on practical examples

Modified M-timed Petri nets in modelling and performance evaluation of systems

Modified M-timed Petri nets are Petri nets with exponentially distributed firing times and with generalized inhibitor arcs to interrupt firing transitions. It is shown that the behavior of modified free-choice M-timed Petri nets can be represented by probabilistic state graphs, stationary probabilities of states can thus be obtained by standard techniques used for analysis of continuous-time homogeneous Markov chains. An immediate application of such a model is performance analysis of queueing systems with exponentially distributed service and interarrival times, and with priority and/or preemptive scheduling disciplines. Simple models of computer systems with different scheduling strategies are used as an illustration of modelling and performance analysis

CSL model checking of Deterministic and Stochastic Petri Nets

Deterministic and Stochastic Petri Nets (DSPNs) are a widely used high-level formalism for modeling discrete-event systems where events may occur either without consuming time, after a deterministic time, or after an exponentially distributed time. The underlying process dened by DSPNs, under certain restrictions, corresponds to a class of Markov Regenerative Stochastic Processes (MRGP). In this paper, we investigate the use of CSL (Continuous Stochastic Logic) to express probabilistic properties, such a time-bounded until and time-bounded next, at the DSPN level. The verication of such properties requires the solution of the steady-state and transient probabilities of the underlying MRGP. We also address a number of semantic issues regarding the application of CSL on MRGP and provide numerical model checking algorithms for this logic. A prototype model checker, based on SPNica, is also described

Petri nets for systems and synthetic biology

We give a description of a Petri net-based framework for modelling and analysing biochemical pathways, which uni¯es the qualita- tive, stochastic and continuous paradigms. Each perspective adds its con- tribution to the understanding of the system, thus the three approaches do not compete, but complement each other. We illustrate our approach by applying it to an extended model of the three stage cascade, which forms the core of the ERK signal transduction pathway. Consequently our focus is on transient behaviour analysis. We demonstrate how quali- tative descriptions are abstractions over stochastic or continuous descrip- tions, and show that the stochastic and continuous models approximate each other. Although our framework is based on Petri nets, it can be applied more widely to other formalisms which are used to model and analyse biochemical networks