Simulation-Based Support for Semi-Automated Automotive Safety Analysis

Background: As part of the ISO 26262 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment, safety experts analyse the vehicle functions to identify potential hazards and assess the associated risk. At the time of HARA, the vehicle was not yet developed and could not be used for analysis purposes. Aim: To overcome this problem, simulations are a promising measure to support HARA execution in the early concept phase. Method: Thanks to the vehicle model available in the concept phase, simulation can be used to better describe the vehicle behaviour in a hazardous driving situation and to assess the associated risks more precisely. Results: We present a simulation environment that can simulate common failures and their effects in different HARA - relevant driving situations and use the obtained simulation data to determine the HARA parameters and the ASIL in a semi-automated way. Conclusion: The developed simulation environment can contribute to the automation of HARA and support the determination of safety measures and design criteria for the investigated function. The results have also shown that the use of simulation is limited and that HARA remains the responsibility of safety experts.