Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper presents a formal theory of verification and validation (V&V) within systems engineering, grounded in the axiom that V&V are fundamentally knowledge‐building activities. Using dynamic epistemic modal logic, we develop precise definitions of V&V, articulating their roles in confirming and contextualizing knowledge about systems. The theory formalizes the interplay between epistemic states, evidence, and reasoning processes, allowing for the derivation of theorems that clarify the conceptual underpinnings of V&V. By providing a formal foundation, this work addresses ambiguities in traditional V&V practices, offering a structured framework to enhance precision and consistency in systems engineering methodologies. The insights gained have implications for both academic research and practical applications, fostering a deeper understanding of V&V as critical components of engineering knowledge generation.
Source: Systems Engineering
DOI: 10.1002/sys.70034
Authors: Hanumanthrao Kannan, Alejandro Salado
Institutions: University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Arizona
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7117541925