Behavioural simulation and equivalences of systems modelled by graph transformation

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Hartmut Ehrig (†); Professorin Dr. Barbara König
• Subject Area: Software Engineering and Programming Languages
• Term: from 2008 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 63444747

Behaviour modelling and model transformation play a key role in model driven software development. In order to validate model transformations, behaviour simulation and equivalence are important, but often neglected issues. In this project we use graph transformation not only to define model languages and transformations, but also to define the operational semantics and behavioural equivalence of systems. Before the start of this project there was no systematic study of behaviour simulation and equivalence for graph transformation systems and the main aim of this project is to fill this gap. For this purpose, we transfer concepts between graph transformations and process algebras and apply the corresponding results to behaviour preservation of model transformations. In the first phase of this project we have established a transfer of concepts using doublepushout transformations with borrowed context, with successful applications especially to model refactoring. Moreover, we have started a careful analysis of the problems occurring in model transformations. In part two of this project our research is guided by behavioural problems in specific application domains such as enterprise modelling, self-adaptive systems and verification of security protocols. In order to solve these problems, we especially study generalized application conditions and bisimulation, correctness of model transformations as well as model integration and synchronization based on triple graph grammars. Moreover, we extend the tool support developed in part one to handle these new concepts.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Dr. Claudia Ermel