A Knowledge based Tool for Failure Propagation Analysis

This paper discusses a knowledge based tool for failure propagation analysis. The first version of the computer program simulated the propagation of a single avionics or electrical power failure through a network of avionics systems [1]. Recent work focuses on two program modifications. The first expands the failure propagation capability to simulate failures of multiple avionics line replaceable units (LRUs). The second adds a backchaining (diagnostic) function to the program. This function will enable the Avionics Failure Propagation Analysis Tool (AFPAT) to deduce the source of a failure propagation from a set of flight deck failure effects.