A new approach to the analysis of reliability block diagrams

Reliability block diagram (RBD) modeling has been demonstrated as a productive method for performing reliability studies. Analysis techniques common to fault-tree analysis can extend the usefulness of RBD models. Methods for handling system interdependencies, redundancies, and degraded operating states are presented. Additional interpretive benefits afforded by these methods are discussed. The integration of fault-tree analysis techniques with RBD modeling was initially applied during a project studying the reliability of a fossil fuel plant. During the course of this project, a software system known as the RBD analysis (RBDA) workstation was designed and implemented. RBDA is a microcomputer-based program used to develop and analyze complex multisystem models. It is currently being used in the aerospace, chemical, and utility industries