Optimisation methods for solving a large-scale avionics scheduling problem

Abstract

Modern computer systems in aircraft are based on an integrated modular avionic architecture. In this architecture, software applications share hardware resources on a common avionic platform. Many functions in an aircraft are controlled by software and a failure in such software can have severe consequences. To avoid malfunction, there are many aspects to consider. One aspect is to ensure that the activities in the system get sufficient computing and network communication resources while being completed in time. This thesis contributes to addressing this challenge by studying an avionics scheduling problem proposed by Saab.First I would like to give thanks to my main supervisor Elina Rönnberg. You have shaped my PhD journey more than anyone else and have by example showed me what it means to be a researcher. Throughout this period, you have not only cared for me as a PhD student but also as a person and as a colleague. I am the first PhD student under your main supervision and that is something I always will be proud of. I want to thank my supervisors Kaj Holmberg and Simin Nadjm-Tehrani. Kaj, I will in particular remember your passion for teaching and what I have learned from your PhD courses. Simin, you allowed me to glimpse into the world of real-time systems and your everyday research environment while taking time when I have had questions. I want to thank my colleagues at the Department of Mathematics for good discussions, help with administration, and providing a good place to work. A particular shout-out to Björn Morén for our "fikas". I want to thank Martin Singull for sparking my interest in research as an undergraduate student.The contributions of this thesis would have not been possible without Saab and during the last years, my work has been part of a research collaboration between Saab and Linköping University titled "Efficient use of hardware resources in avionic systems". Thanks to all people who have been involved in making this possible. Particular thanks to Andreas Stenberg and Hannes Uppman, who I have worked closely together with and learned a lot from and together with. I want to thank Robert Pettersson and Mats Ekman for technical discussions and giving me feedback on various things through the years. I also want to thank current and past managers, in particular Fredrik Lorentzon, Karolina Bergström, and Tobias Olsson.I want to thank the Research school in Interdisciplinary Mathematics for funding my research and granting me the possibility to learn about optimisation and real-time system through my PhD studies. I want to thank the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing (SNIC) at National Supercomputer Centre (NSC) for providing computational resources.My life has been blessed by people that I love. Each and every one of you have my thanks. But a special thanks to Tahere for caring and always being kind, and to Ghazaleh, the love of my life, I love you always.