A novel knowledge discovery approach based on rough sets and fault tree analysis

In this paper, a novel approach based on rough set theory and a pair wise comparison table for reduction and ordering of basic events in fault tree is proposed. The details of the approach, together with the basic concepts of rough set theory, are presented. A case study is used to illustrate the application of the proposed approach. Results show that a reasonable ordering of basic events in a fault tree can be generated easily. With the ordering of basic events determined, a maintenance engineer in a manufacturing plant can then carry out fault diagnosis in an efficient and orderly manner, so as to prevent accidents.