UML Model to Fault Tree Model Transformation for Dependability Analysis

This paper proposes a model transformation to automatically generate Fault Tree models from UML software models annotated with dependability annotations. The goal is to extend the model-driven software development process with the capability of verifying some important dependability properties (such as reliability, safety) starting early in the software lifecycle, by solving the generated Fault Tree models with existing fault tree analysis tools. Feedback from the analysis will help developers in selecting suitable design alternatives in order to build systems that meet their non-functional requirements. The model transformation language used in this study is ATL (ATL Transformation Language). The transformation takes as input UML Composite Structure Diagrams, Sequence Diagrams and Use Case Diagrams, extended with two UML profiles: MARTE (a standard profile adopted by OMG) and DAM (a profile specializing MARTE). The focus of this paper is on the ATL transformation.