Evolutionary testing as both a testing and redesign tool: a study of a shipboard firemain's valve and pump controls
C. Anderson, Eric W. Bonabeau, J.M. Scott · 2004
Given the large number of possible fault scenarios, complex control systems are usually impossible to test exhaustively. One promising approach, however, is evolutionary testing (ET) in which a genetic algorithm (GA) evolves critical test situations. We evolved challenges (pipe rupture and water demand) to the valve and pump controls of a shipboard firemain system. ET found minor events that collectively produced significant system failure, and also identified a modification to the ship design that improved system performance. ET can also be used to map the boundary of search space for a given, user-defined criterion. The potential of this powerful, generic technique not just for testing but also for system redesign is thus emphasized.