Evolutionary testing as both a testing and redesign tool: a study of a shipboard firemain´s valve and pump controls

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.