Verification, Validation, and Testing of Engineered Systems

2.1 STRUCTURE OF CHAPTER

This chapter describes a set of VVT activities that typically occur within the system development lifecycle phases. We provide detailed information for each VVT activity in a standard format designed to aid the reader in determining the activity’s applicability to a specific system. As mentioned before, one should (1) tailor the VVT methodology by using the tailoring guidelines and (2) consider using the VVT process model for optimizing the VVT strategy. Also, at the beginning of each system lifecycle phase, one should consider updating the VVT planning document.

2.1.1 Systems Development Lifecycle Phases and VVT Activities

Typically, each VVT activity may be carried out within one of the system development lifecycle phases, reviewed here:

1. Definition. This formulates the system operational concepts and develops the system requirements. The overall VVT strategy is determined and the engineering products of this phase are assessed.

2. Design. This creates a technical concept and architecture for the system. The engineering products of this phase are assessed.

3. Implementation. This creates the elements of the system. Each element is built or purchased, then evaluated or tested to ensure its stand-alone compliance with its allocated requirements.

4. Integration. This combines the implemented elements into a complete system. Throughout the integration process the emerging system is assessed on a step-by-step basis against requirements and stakeholders’ ...