Worst Case Reliability Prediction Based on a Prior Estimate of Residual Defects

In this paper we extend an earlier worst case bound reliability theory to derive a worst case reliability function R(t), which gives the worst case probability of surviving a further time t given an estimate of residual defects in the software N and a prior test time T. The earlier theory and its extension are presented and the paper also considers the case where there is a low probability of any defect existing in the program. For the "fractional defect" case, there can be a high probability of surviving any subsequent time t. The implications of the theory are discussed and compared with alternative reliability models

Using a Log-normal Failure Rate Distribution for Worst Case Bound Reliability Prediction

Prior research has suggested that the failure rates of faults follow a log normal distribution. We propose a specific model where distributions close to a log normal arise naturally from the program structure. The log normal distribution presents a problem when used in reliability growth models as it is not mathematically tractable. However we demonstrate that a worst case bound can be estimated that is less pessimistic than our earlier worst case bound theory

A Methodology for Safety Case Development

This paper will outline a safety case methodology that seeks to minimise safety risks and commercial risks by constructing a demonstrable safety case. The safety case ideas presented here were initially developed in an EU-sponsored SHIP project [1] and was then further developed in the UK Nuclear Safety Research Programme (the QUARC Project [2]). Some of these concepts have subsequently been incorporated in safety standards such as MOD Def Stan 00-55, and have also been used to establish specific safety cases for clients. A generalisation of the concepts also appears in Def Stan 00-42 Part 2, in the form of the software reliability case

Security-Informed Safety: Supporting Stakeholders with Codes of Practice

Codes of practice provide principles and guidance on how organizations can incorporate security considerations into their safety engineering lifecycle and become more security minded

Systematic Inclusion of High-Order Multi-Spin Correlations for the Spin-121\over2 XXZXXZ Models

We apply the microscopic coupled-cluster method (CCM) to the spin-$1\over2$ $XXZ$ models on both the one-dimensional chain and the two-dimensional square lattice. Based on a systematic approximation scheme of the CCM developed by us previously, we carry out high-order {\it ab initio} calculations using computer-algebraic techniques. The ground-state properties of the models are obtained with high accuracy as functions of the anisotropy parameter. Furthermore, our CCM analysis enables us to study their quantum critical behavior in a systematic and unbiased manner.Comment: (to appear in PRL). 4 pages, ReVTeX, two figures available upon request. UMIST Preprint MA-000-000

Influence of quantum fluctuations on zero-temperature phase transitions between collinear and noncollinear states in frustrated spin systems

We study a square-lattice spin-half Heisenberg model where frustration is introduced by competing nearest-neighbor bonds of different signs. We discuss the influence of quantum fluctuations on the nature of the zero-temperature phase transitions from phases with collinear magnetic order at small frustration to phases with noncollinear spiral order at large frustration. We use the coupled cluster method (CCM) for high orders of approximation (up to LSUB6) and the exact diagonalization of finite systems (up to 32 sites) to calculate ground-state properties. The role of quantum fluctuations is examined by comparing the ferromagnetic-spiral and the antiferromagnetic-spiral transition within the same model. We find clear evidence that quantum fluctuations prefer collinear order and that they may favour a first order transition instead of a second order transition in case of no quantum fluctuations.Comment: 6 pages, 6 Postscipt figures; Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Optical alignment system Patent

Electro-optical/computer system for aligning large structural members and maintaining correct positio