Master’s Thesis: Focus & SysML v2 – A Semantic Comparison.

Over the past decade, significant efforts have been dedicated to advancing model-based systems engineering (MBSE), culminating in the development of SysML v2, which is now nearing official release. The goal of this thesis is to analyze and compare the semantic foundations of SysML v2 with those of FOCUS (Specification and Development of Interactive Systems, 2001). Where possible, a semantic mapping between the two approaches will be developed.

The semantic foundations of a modeling language define the meaning of its constructs independently of their notation. A formal semantic basis is crucial for unambiguous interpretation, tool support, model verification, and transformation. Especially in the context of complex or safety-critical systems, precise semantics is essential to ensure model correctness and trustworthiness.

SysML (Systems Modeling Language) is a domain-specific modeling language for systems engineering, originally developed as a UML profile (SysML v1). It enables the modeling of complex systems, including requirements, structure, and behavior. SysML v2 represents a complete rethinking of the language, aiming to improve precision, expressiveness, and machine interpretability. It places an emphasis on formal semantics and well-defined metamodels to support modern MBSE practices.

FOCUS is a mathematically founded framework for specifying and developing interactive and distributed systems, developed by Broy et al. It is based on stream-based communication models and provides a formal semantic foundation for modeling both functional and temporal aspects of systems. FOCUS is particularly well-suited for specifying embedded and reactive systems in a rigorous manner.

While SysML v2 introduces new semantic layers and modeling capabilities, FOCUS already offers a well-established formalism. Comparing these foundations allows for a more profound understanding of SysML v2’s semantic structure and its potential integration with formal specification methods. Establishing a semantic mapping between SysML v2 and FOCUS serves several purposes: it enables the formal analysis and verification of SysML models using FOCUS techniques; it helps identify semantic correspondences and gaps between industrial modeling standards and academic formal methods; and it contributes to the long-term goal of bridging practical MBSE tools with rigorous, mathematically grounded specification frameworks. This thesis thus aims to provide both theoretical insight and practical value for the MBSE and formal methods communities.

We are looking for ambitious students who are interested in publishing this work as a paper with us afterward.

Task and Research Questions

  • Understand the SysML v2 and Focus semantic definitions
  • What are the main differences between the two definitions?
  • Are they compatible and if so, can we create a mapping between those?
  • If not, can we restrict one definition such that they become compatible?

Your profile

  • Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, or a closely related field
  • Strong academic performance
  • Independent working style
  • Good written and oral communication skills in German or English
  • Lecture Model-based Software Engineering / Model-based Systems Engineering

Contact

Interested in this topic? Inform yourself about our current research and publications.

For more information please contact Tom Bursch, M.Sc. with your application documents.

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Rumpe
Lehrstuhl Software Engineering
Ahornstr. 55
52074 Aachen